Weeks after the global observance of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, the Solution Social Initiative (SSI) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening advocacy for change, inclusion, and empowerment of girls across Rivers State.
The initiative, held in Emohua Local Government Area, was convened in collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and featured the participation of key stakeholders, including the Rivers State Ministries of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Service, Youth Development, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
Representatives from these institutions delivered goodwill messages and policy-focused remarks highlighting the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in promoting gender equity, youth leadership, and entrepreneurship for young women. They emphasized the government’s commitment to working closely with credible NGOs, such as SSI, to drive social inclusion and sustainable community development.
The event, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Empowering Youths and Women for Transformation,” also featured participation from the Rivers State Police Command, represented by ASP Ogbuew, Captain, Deputy PPRO, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police. He reiterated the Command’s resolve to ensure the safety, security, and rights of women and girls, encouraging stronger partnerships between communities, civil society, and law enforcement agencies.
Speaking after the event, Prophet Efe Cyril Edah, Executive Director of SSI, described the collaboration as a landmark model of faith–state partnership aimed at sustaining dialogue between the Church, government, and civil society toward inclusive empowerment and child protection.
“Our goal is to turn conversations into consistent action. The empowerment of the girl child is not a one-day campaign but a continuous journey of mentorship, education, and policy engagement,” Prophet Edah stated.
The event, which drew wide participation from schools, youth leaders, and community advocates, featured panel discussions, poetry presentations, and the reading of a communiqué and resolutions aimed at strengthening collaboration between NGOs and government stakeholders.
SSI affirmed that the lessons and outcomes from the program would guide future community-based gender initiatives in Rivers State and beyond, ensuring that girls’ voices remain central to advocacy, education, and social transformation.
As SSI continues to expand its partnerships nationwide, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to building resilient communities, advancing women’s rights, and promoting inclusive development in alignment with Nigeria’s social and humanitarian priorities.
