Federal Government Reaffirms Commitment to Girls' Inclusion at SWAG's 10th Anniversary
The Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Youth on Gender Matters, Kehinde Charity Awujoola, has reassured Nigerian girls that their voices are being recognised and amplified by the Federal Government. This commitment was emphasized during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Stand With A Girl Initiative (SWAG) in Abuja, themed "From Vision to Impact: Celebrating a Decade of Empowering Girls and Standing Strong."
Celebrating a Decade of Impact
Awujoola praised SWAG for its sustained dedication to advancing the cause of the girl-child over the past ten years, describing its contributions as both significant and far-reaching. She highlighted the organization's milestone of impacting more than two million lives, noting that this achievement reflects a profound commitment to youth development.
"SWAG has really done a lot. As Gen Z would say, nobody wins alone. It has been a wonderful 10-year journey. From the number of lives touched to its girl-child-centred and women-led programmes, it is truly commendable," Awujoola stated.
She also acknowledged SWAG's partnerships with groups such as Plan International and its activities commemorating International Women's Day, emphasizing that the organization continues to provide a crucial platform for amplifying the voices of underserved girls across Nigeria.
SWAG's Evolution and Strategic Plans
In her address, SWAG's Executive Director, Margaret Bolaji-Adegbola, reflected on the organization's growth from a simple idea into a transformative movement. She revealed that since its formal registration in 2016, SWAG has reached more than two million people across rural communities and urban informal settlements in 13 states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
"Two million and counting is more than a statistic. Behind every number is a girl whose life has been redirected with dignity and hope," Adegbola emphasized.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Adegbola announced the rollout of SWAG's 2026–2030 strategic plan, the launch of the NEXTGen@SWAG Academy, and the award of scholarships to 10 girls. She traced the organization's beginnings to 2014, when the idea was conceived during a journey from Abuja to Zaria, illustrating that purpose often starts with a simple decision to create change.
Persistent Challenges and Calls for Action
Despite the progress recorded, Adegbola highlighted major challenges that persist, including the high number of out-of-school children, many of them girls, and entrenched sociocultural barriers that continue to limit opportunities.
"We still have millions of children out of school, and a significant number are girls. The data compels us to act," she noted.
Adegbola called for stronger government commitment, particularly in implementing gender-responsive policies. She stressed the need for improved school infrastructure and better access to menstrual hygiene support to ensure girls stay in school and thrive.
"We need not just policies, but proper implementation to ensure girls stay in school and thrive," she added.
Collective Efforts for Lasting Change
Adegbola urged stakeholders and the public to support girls' education through initiatives such as the Stand With A Girl Education Project (SWAGEP), emphasizing the importance of collective action in driving lasting societal change.
"To every girl, shine on despite the challenges. To parents, create enabling environments for your daughters. Together, we can build a better society," she concluded.
The event underscored the Federal Government's ongoing collaboration with SWAG to broaden youth-focused programmes nationwide, reinforcing a shared vision for empowering Nigerian girls and fostering inclusive development.
