250 Schoolgirls Receive Educational Materials In Osun Communities As OYAWIN Pushes To End Child Marriage

The Olabode Youth and Women Initiatives Nigeria (OYAWIN) on Wednesday distributed educational materials to 250 girls across Apomu, Ikoyi and Ikire as part of its ongoing “Right to Be a Girl” project aimed at improving girls’ access to education and reducing the rate of child marriage in the communities.

The event, held at Community High School, Ikoyi, brought together traditional rulers, government officials, school administrators and community leaders.

The representatives of Olukoyi of Ikoyi, Oba Taofeek Akande Morenigbade Iyiola, and Hon. Abiola Waheed Ibrahim, member representing Irewole/Isokan Constituency in the Osun House of Assembly, were among dignitaries present.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, OYAWIN’s Executive Director, Comrade Moroof Olawale Olabode, said the 12-month project, supported by the global nonprofit Mundo Cooperante, is targeted at addressing barriers that keep girls out of school and exposing them to early marriage.

He noted that the materials distributed, including school bags, sandals, notebooks and writing supplies, represent more than physical items but a symbolic commitment to building a safer and more promising future for girls in the region.

“Education remains one of the strongest tools to prevent early marriage and improve the wellbeing and economic prospects of girls. Through this intervention, we reaffirm that every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and achieve her full potential.”

He acknowledged the efforts of principals, teachers and guidance counsellors across the benefiting schools, praising their commitment to supporting young learners.

He also commended parents, guardians and community leaders for partnering with OYAWIN to safeguard the interests of the girl child.

Olabode further expressed gratitude to the organisation’s global partner, Mundo Cooperante, whose support, he said, “continues to open doors of opportunity for girls worldwide.”

He announced that OYAWIN will return in the coming weeks to provide chairs and tables for all 250 beneficiaries and pay their school fees as part of efforts to remove financial obstacles affecting girls’ education.

“To the girls here today: you are the focus of this programme,” he said. “Use these materials to stay committed to your education. Your dreams are valid, and your future is bright.”

He reiterated that OYAWIN is a non-partisan and non-political organisation working to advance girls’ education, gender equality and the rights of adolescents and women in Osun State and across Nigeria.

Appreciating OYAWIN and Mundo Cooperante for thier kind gesture, Mrs Olukemi Omotoso, who spoke on behalf of other Principals said the distributed materials will assist parents who could not afford them due to financial constraints.

She urged parents to complement the effort of the donors by ensuring that they contribute their own quotas to the success of their children in the pursuit of their education.

Some of the parents whose children benefited from the gesture including Pastor Mrs Emmanuel Olawumi and Mr Joseph Jerome appreciated OYAWIN and Mundo Cooperante for putting smiles in their faces.