FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 October 2026
OTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA — African Girls Empowerment Network (AGE Network) has intensified its campaign against child marriage, sexual exploitation and girls’ school dropout, bringing together 119 participants for a girls’ football competition at Ansarudeen Comprehensive High School, Ota, Ogun State.
The competition, held on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, featured girls from Ansarudeen Comprehensive High School and Champion Comprehensive College, alongside teachers and school inspectors, as part of activities commemorating the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
The event, organised under AGE Network’s Sport Girls Initiative, aligned with this year’s global theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!”, and the organisation’s campaign, “Kick Out Sexual Exploitation and Child Marriage in Schools and Communities.”
The keenly contested match produced two goals, with both schools demonstrating enthusiasm, teamwork and determination. Particularly impressive were girls who participated in a competitive football match for the first time, yet displayed remarkable confidence and sporting potential.
Speaking on the event’s significance, Ms. Matina Ebri, Gender Advocate and Coordinator of the Sport Girls Initiative, emphasised that investing in girls’ rights must go beyond advocacy to include practical opportunities that protect girls, keep them in school, and help them develop their talents.
“Every girl deserves the opportunity to discover her potential without being held back by child marriage, sexual exploitation or harmful stereotypes. Through football, we are not only building confidence and leadership skills but also creating awareness about girls’ rights and the importance of keeping them in school.”
Ebri noted that the programme also strengthens AGE Network’s Safe Space for Girls operations in schools and communities, providing supportive environments where girls can access information, develop confidence and seek appropriate support.
Since its launch, the Sport Girls Initiative has reached 798 girls across communities in Ogun State, contributing to ongoing efforts to address the factors driving girls’ school dropout and limiting their educational opportunities.
AGE Network acknowledged the support of its development partners, the FIFA Foundation in advancing the initiative.
The organisation called on government institutions, schools, parents and development partners to strengthen child protection measures and increase investment in girls’ education, sports and leadership development.
AGE Network reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to learn, play and pursue her ambitions free from child marriage, sexual exploitation and abuse.
African Girls Empowerment Network (AGE Network) is a youth-led non-governmental organisation advancing girls’ rights, education, health, safety and empowerment through advocacy, community engagement and development programmes.
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