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The front space of Adeboruwa Palace, Igbogbo, was recently hosted hundreds of girls, women, amidst the presence of Royal Heads and prominent personalities in Ikorodu Division, when the GESA held a one day advocacy and key stakeholders meeting on the implementation of second chance education for vulnerable Women and Girls in Ikorodu Division.

According to the national Coordinator of GESA, Madam Cynthia, who led the Director, Agency for Mass Education, Lagos State, Mrs Kemi Kalesanwo and other Directors and Deputy Director, Mr Obaba Bamidele, Seriki Ibukunolu, Mustapha Ibrahim Akanni and Adeyeye O.G, said "GESA is one of the selected Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to implement the Spotlight Initiative project in Nigeria.

"Under the project, GESA is contracted by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to implement activity 4.2.17 Titled Providing second chance education for out of school girls and young women including boys and men facing intersecting marginalization’ and mainstream them back to formal school system in Lagos, Sokoto, Ebonyi, Adamawa, Cross River states and the FCT."

She further stated that in Lagos State, the project will be implemented in Lagos Mainland and Ikorodu  Division for the first year and will be scaled up in the subsequent years, saying the Spotlight Initiative is a global partnership between the United Nations and the European Union to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in support of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.

"It was launched in September 2017 by the UN Secretary General and the EU High representative. The implementation covers eight African countries namely Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Uganda and Zimbabwe. In Nigeria, the project will be implemented in Lagos, Sokoto, Ebonyi, Adamawa, Cross River states and the FCT," the National Coordinator added.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry  of Education, Dr. Shamsideen Allison, while addressing the gathering implored all to help the girls and women in the society. "Violence against women and girls is rampant nowadays especially amongst those youths without basic education migrating into Lagos on daily basis.

"Many perpetrators especially some illiterates believe that violation toward women and girls is normal for appropriate behaviour supported by the society,the believe is appropriate and unwanted in the society. violence directed at girls and women by an intimate partner is the most common form of gender based violence.

"Adults are fundamental in the Construction of our lives and personalities,the fact is that all women and youths have fundamental human right to live free and from all form of violence, this initiative will assist in preventing violence in the state.

"For this, your initiative is highly welcome and appreciated to unlock the power of female,through this initiative, if fifteen thousand of youths and women are able to know their right then we can change the harmful belief at the core of this problem,I extend appreciation to spotlight and all stakeholders present here today".

Ealier before this, the Director, Agency for Mass Education, Lagos State, Mrs Kemi Kalesanwo, said the GESA is aimed at training 15,000 vulnerable Women and Girls in Ikorodu Division. She enjoined all to assist in reaching out to Out of School girls, young women facing intersecting marginalisation, girls and women leaving with HIV and disabilities, victims of gender based violence, the rural poor and orphans and victims of early marriage, to come and register with the GESA.

Speaking with MegaXpression  Community News, the fmr. Ag. Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon Adebimpe Akinsola said "we will be giving our girls and women second chance and this will be a golden opportunity and we hope they'll embrace this"

She further says "We are representing people, other women and also mobilise them, there wont be need to pay for this enrollment.I know for sure the government is serious about this"

Chief Imam Ansar'udeen sheikh Lukman gives a brief welcome address, Odofin of Igbogbo Kingdom talks about the second chance given to women and girls.

However, Mr Odunniyi talks about tender aged girls that are not able to further their education but forced into marriage and also says facilities are  needed and should be provided.

Comrade Kazeem Ogunmuyiwa further says"The minimum certificate should be an NCE holder"

Fmr president of Igbogbo student union Miss comfort Omolara gave an amiable speech and also gave instances and examples on how Mrs kemi Kalesanwo has changed her life positively as a lady.

Conclusively, a massive vote of thanks was delivered by the executive...