Badagry, Lagos State | October 22, 2026
The Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) has commemorated the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child with an awareness programme focused on ending child marriage and promoting the rights, education, and empowerment of girls.
The programme, held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Vincord Schools, 30 John Agemo Street, Maseno New Site, Ikoga, Badagry, was organised around the theme: “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Right.”
The event brought together BACCIMA representatives, school proprietresses, and members of the educational community to promote awareness of the challenges confronting the girl child and the need for collective action to protect her rights and future.
The programme featured Mrs. Hundogan Oluyemisi Abidemi, Director of Education/Principal, as the guest speaker. Her participation highlighted the importance of education and awareness in addressing issues affecting girls and promoting a society where every girl can learn, develop her potential, and pursue her aspirations.
The programme’s theme drew attention to the need to end child marriage and ensure that girls are protected from harmful practices that can disrupt their education, limit their opportunities, and affect their future well-being.
It also emphasised the importance of investing in girls through education, skills development, and opportunities that enable them to become confident, independent, and productive members of society.
BACCIMA was represented by members of its leadership and administrative structure, including:
- Engr. Seton M. Senu — Director General, BACCIMA
- Mrs. Laguda Grace — Women Leader, BACCIMA
- Mrs. Adenike Alade — Director of Communications, BACCIMA
- Mrs. Aina Akoro — Deputy Women Leader, BACCIMA
- Mrs. Nwagu — Member, BACCIMA
Some school proprietresses were also present, demonstrating the importance of collaboration between the Chamber and educational stakeholders in promoting the welfare and advancement of the girl child.
Six Schools Participate in the Programme
The programme recorded participation from six schools, reflecting the role of educational institutions in raising awareness about girls’ rights and encouraging a supportive environment for their development.
The participating schools were:
- Yinna Schools
- Vincord Schools
- A Top Schools
- Viajis Montessori School
- Emart Schools
- Orosu Catering School
The participation of these schools reinforced the importance of engaging educational institutions in conversations about child protection, equal opportunities, and the future of young girls.
Ending Child Marriage Through Awareness and Education
Child marriage remains a significant barrier to girls’ education, personal development, and future opportunities. Addressing the challenge requires sustained awareness, community engagement, and a shared commitment from parents, educators, community leaders, businesses, and relevant institutions.
The theme of the programme underscored the need to move beyond advocacy by investing meaningfully in girls’ education, skills acquisition, personal growth, and opportunities to achieve their full potential.
By promoting awareness among educational stakeholders and the wider community, initiatives of this nature can contribute to changing attitudes and strengthening collective responsibility for protecting the girl child.
Investing in Girls for Sustainable Development
BACCIMA recognises that the development of girls is an important part of building stronger communities and a more inclusive economy. When girls have access to education, skills, and opportunities, they are better positioned to contribute to entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and sustainable development.
The Chamber’s commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child reflects the connection between social development and economic progress. Protecting girls’ rights and expanding their opportunities contribute to a society where individuals can thrive and participate meaningfully in community and economic life.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
The commemoration served as a reminder that protecting the rights of girls is a shared responsibility. Parents, schools, business organisations, community leaders, and government institutions all have important roles to play in ending child marriage and ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow, and pursue her aspirations.
BACCIMA remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote inclusive development and contribute to the social and economic advancement of Badagry and its surrounding communities.
When we invest in girls, we invest in a better future for all.
BACCIMA — Expanding Business Frontiers