By: Adelowo Oladipo, Minna
In commemoration of the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, the Niger State Command Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) participated in a two-day Head Girls Leadership Summit, organized by the Niger State Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with the Salma Attah Foundation for Women and Girls Support (SAFWGS) heldirln from 9th to 10th October 2026, at the Ministry’s Women Centre, Minna.
This is contained in a statement issued by ASP Simon Loagh and POCAVAC Coordinator made available to Journalists on Monday in Minna
The Summit themed “From Head Girl to Change Maker,” brought together head girls and their assistants from seventeen (17) schools to celebrate the girl child, promote girls’ rights and recognize their leadership roles within their schools, while highlighting the importance of ending child marriage and investing in girls’ development.
As part of the programme, POCACOV delivered a sensitization lecture titled “Girls as Agents of Change: Building Resilient, Responsible and Crime-Resistant Young Women.” The session focused on empowering young female leaders to become positive role models and active partners in preventing crime and social vices within their schools and communities.
The lecture highlighted the risks associated with cultism, drug and substance abuse, cybercrime, bullying, sexual exploitation, harmful peer pressure and other negative influences. Participants were encouraged to make responsible choices, protect their personal safety, use social media responsibly, speak up against abuse and seek timely assistance through trusted adults and appropriate authorities.
Emphasis was also placed on the importance of mentorship, positive peer relationships, personal discipline and responsible living in shaping character and building resilience. The girls were encouraged to seek guidance from trustworthy mentors, support vulnerable peers and use their leadership positions to promote peace, positive values and responsible citizenship.
The engagement further reinforced the importance of viewing girls not only as beneficiaries of protection but also as active partners in crime prevention, peacebuilding and community development. The participants were encouraged to become peace ambassadors, responsible digital citizens and mentors to younger girls, while using their leadership positions to discourage violence, exploitation and other social vices.
The programme aligns with POCACOV’s preventive policing mandate and highlights the importance of early intervention, public enlightenment and strategic partnerships in safeguarding young people. Niger POCACOV appreciates the organizers for providing a platform to empower young female leaders and remains committed to promoting responsible choices, positive values and safer environments for children and youths across the State.
End
