Project Control Coordinator at Back To Light Foundation, Tega Omogor, has decried the rising spate of drug abuse among girls, warning that the practice not only truncates their future and erode their mental capabilities, but it also makes them susceptible to violence and sexual abuse.
Omogor said this on Monday in Abuja during an educational empowerment program for girls in secondary schools organised by Women of Honour and Great Impact International Foundation, to mark the International Day of the Girl-Child.
Speaking to a cross-section of teenage and adolescent girls, she said drug abuse progressively kills brain cells leading to acute mental health disorders, addiction and self-sabotage.
She said, “As teenagers, you feel like you are big enough because of the changes you notice happening to your bodies especially the girls. This is when you should be more cautious and listen to your parents and guardians but what parents will do for you at this age is to mentor and guide you.”
Omogor added that the girl child is a “special species” with the potential and capacity to influence positive change in society and must be nurtured with care.
Founder of WOHGIIF and Convener of the sensitization event themed ‘Digital generation, Our generation,’ Nkechi Okechukwu, said girls have the right to a safe, educated and healthy life, not only in their coming-of-age process but also as they mature into full-grown women.
She said “When properly empowered, girls can break limits and barriers imposed by stereotypes and exclusion. As entrepreneurs, innovators and initiators of global movements, girls are creating a world that is relevant for them and future generations.”
Okechukwu said the theme of the 2021 edition draws the attention of the global community to collectively raise a voice for girls by encouraging them to go into tech and become ICT Experts in their rights.
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