By Maria Famakinwa
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The wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu -Akeredolu has stressed the need to pay attention to girl – child education for a nation to achieve sustainable development.

She said this at the Public Service Training Institute (PSTI) Ilara -Mokin during the flag-off of the second edition of BEMORE Summer Boot Camp 4 Girls Naija where 400 girls who were selected across the 18 local government areas of the state will be taught for two weeks on Information Communication and Technology (ICT), how to develop Solar Panel, household items among others.

Mrs Akeredolu revealed that the greatest mistake the people have made was the denial of the girl-child equal access to quality education by upholding cultural norms, tradition and religious beliefs that discriminate against them.

“These challenges are largely as a result of the low literacy level of our women. Currently, half of Nigeria’s women population are uneducated.

The First Lady charged the participants to utilize the opportunity of the training to better their lives and show the world that they are in no way less created.

Earlier in her welcome address, Senior Special Assistance to the State Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs Titi Adeyemi commended the efforts of the First Lady for making the event an annual programme in order for every girl – child to develop appetite for ICT and make them to BEMORE  and excel in their chosen field. She also appreciated all the sponsors and parents of the participants for their supports.

In the goodwill message of the Chairman of the occasion, Dr Moji Atalabi who thanked Mrs Akeredolu for her passion for girl -child to succeed advised the participants to see the programme as a great opportunity to excel and put their heart into it.

“I will encourage you to see this as a challenge, put in your best to achieve the expected result. Give the First Lady the reason to be proud of you so that she will not have any regret. What you are being given now is what will help you to succeed as leaders of tomorrow.”

One of the participants, a 15-year-old Ayomiposi Akintan, thanked the Governor’s wife for the opportunity given to girls to realised their dreams and become relevant in the digital world as she promised that they would put in their best to achieve the best and make the First Lady to be proud of them.