AGBOYI-KETU COUNCIL LAUNCHES PROJECT S.H.E TO EMPWOER GIRL-CHILD

…Council boss gifts female students Healthcare, Educational kits, promises monthly distribution 

Photo: Chairman, Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Hon. (Mrs.) Adetola Abubakar (3rd right), his Vice, Mr Yomi Ganiu (3rd left) and female students in Agboyi-Ketu during the launch of project S.H.E - Safety, Hygiene and Education for the Girl Child initiative, at the Multipurpose Hall of the Council Secretariat in Ketu, Lagos, on Friday. 

In commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, the Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) led by Hon. (Mrs.) Adetola Abubakar, Chairman of the Council, launched Project S.H.E — a comprehensive initiative aimed at promoting the Safety, Hygiene, and Education of the girl child.

Speaking at the launch event held at the Council’s Multipurpose Hall, Alapere, Ketu area of Lagos State on Friday, Hon. Adetola Abubakar, said the project underscores her administration’s commitment to building a safe and enabling environment for young girls to thrive.

“Every girl is potentially a game-changer, a change-leader, and a world-changer,” Abubakar declared. “Through Project S.H.E, we will protect, empower, and educate our girls to rise and lead positive change in their schools and communities.”

The event corresponded with the global observance of the International Day of the Girl Child marked annually on October 11^th, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Need.

According to the Chairman, Project S.H.E is anchored on three pillars: Safety - Sensitization campaigns in schools and communities; establishment of reporting channels for abuse; and collaboration with security agencies, NGOs, and social welfare bodies to protect girls from sexual and domestic violence.

Hygiene - regular health education sessions on menstrual and personal hygiene; monthly distribution of free sanitary pads and hygiene kits to girls; and partnerships with healthcare professionals to promote menstrual dignity and end period poverty.

Education - Scholarships, mentorship programmes, and leadership workshops aimed at improving school retention, academic performance, and confidence among girls.

Chairman, Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Hon. (Mrs.) Adetola Abubakar (middle), with female students during the launch of project S.H.E - Safety, Hygiene and Education for the Girl Child initiative, at the Multipurpose Hall of the Council Secretariat in Ketu, Lagos, on Friday. 

Abubakar emphasized that the outcomes of the initiative would include “enhanced safety and protection mechanisms for girls, improved menstrual hygiene management, and greater public awareness of the rights and potential of the girl-child.”

The Council boss, referring to herself as a “senior girl-child” reaffirmed her personal commitment to the cause: “Anyone that abuses a child in Agboyi-Ketu will have me to contend with,” she warned.

She promised to provide a contact line where girls can have direct communication with her if the need arises, “I will personally give our girls a direct phone line to reach me if anyone attempts to molest or mistreat them.”

She announced that the Council will begin monthly distribution of sanitary pads, bathing soaps, washing soaps, and tissues to girls who have reached puberty, in addition to providing educational materials to enhance their learning.

“You owe me your success,” Abubakar told the students. “I want you to be healthy, confident, and successful. If I can make it, you can definitely make it.”

Female students from various schools in the council area were given bags containing sanitary pads, bathing soaps, washing soaps, and tissues for their personal hygiene management at the event.

Female students from various schools in Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) with the Council Chairman, Hon. (Mrs.) Adetola Abubakar (middle) during the launch of project S.H.E - Safety, Hygiene and Education for the Girl Child initiative, at the Multipurpose Hall of the Council Secretariat in Ketu, Lagos, on Friday. 

The launch featured health talks, including a session on “Frank Talk on Menstrual Health: Myths and Facts” delivered by Dr. Oshodi, Head of the Council’s Health Department, who educated the Mariam students on menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and personal care.

Speaking on Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi represented by Fisayo Amole, advised female students on the importance of consent, body autonomy, and open communication with parents and guardians. She also urged them to report any form of abuse to the Agency for prompt intervention.

Schools in attendance included Community Junior High School, Alapere; Ajegunle Junior High School, Ketu; Ogudu Junior Grammar School, Kosofe; Kosofe Senior College, Ketu; and several primary schools across Agboyi-Ketu.