Oriental Energy intensifies Girl Child Health Education in Akwa Ibom
By Imó Etim
Oriental Energy Resources Limited, a Nigerian-based oil and gas company, has embarked on Girl Child Health Education Outreach to secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State.
This year’s edition of the Outreach is a follow-up to the maiden edition, inaugurated in June 2022 at Ibesikpo Asutan and Ikot Ekpene LGAs respectively.
The 2024 edition featured sensitization visits to Southern Annang Secondary School, Ikot Okoro in Oruk Anam LGA on October 29, and Community Secondary School, Afia Nsit Urua Nko in Nsit Ibom LGA on Wednesday October 30, 2024.
The Managing Director of OERL, Mr. Mustafa Indimi OFR, noted that the visit to schools was the organization’s way of marking the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, as celebrated globally October 11 every year.
Indimi, who was represented by the Head, Community and Government Relations, Dr Uwem Ite, stressed that studies have shown that 20 % of girls are not able to complete junior secondary education and up to 40% of girls do not complete secondary education in developing countries, adding that the moves were in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
He said: “Let me start by sharing the fact that studies in developing countries have shown that, due to a variety of reasons, 1 in 5 girls (i.e., 20%) are not able to complete junior secondary education. Similarly, 4 in 10 girls (i.e., 40%) are also not able complete senior secondary school. This has significant negative impacts on their ability to tap into the prospects and opportunities which require formal education and certification.
“Against this background, Oriental Energy believes that investing in girls is not only the right thing to do for them, but it also brings positive impacts particularly to their families, communities, and our society in general.
“Furthermore, we fully agree with the United Nations Secretary General who noted earlier this month that “We must provide girls with a seat at the table, through education, and by giving them the resources they need and opportunities to participate and lead.”It is also our contribution towards the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well Being) and 4 (Quality Education).”
Building on the success and learnings from the maiden edition, this year’s edition featured education on Menstrual health and proper hygiene, sensitization on HIV AIDS, awareness from the National Agency For The Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons(NAPTIP), and other empowerment initiatives.
Oriental Energy, donated waste management kits, hand washing equipments and supply to the school, alongside 500 bags containing 12-month supply of sanitary packs to female students, in a bid to address “period poverty”, while Aniedi Etim Foundation, a facilitator also donated 750 copies of government-approved literature textbooks titled; “The Abandoned and Other stories by Aniedi Etim” to students of Community Secondary School Afia Nsit Urua Nko.
Period poverty has been identified as one of the major causes of girls dropping out of schools and promoter of child marriages. It is said to be a situation where women and girls cannot afford proper menstrual hygiene products due to financial hardship. It is also viewed as inadequate access to menstrual tools and education.
Mr. George Umoren, the School Principal of Community Secondary School, Afia Nsit Urua Nko, appreciated OERL and Aniedi Etim Foundation for their show love, stressing that the items received would go and long way in encouraging students, especially the girls to keep up with their studies and come out to make meaningful contributions to the growth of the society.
Earlier on Tuesday, 29th October, 2024, the team had visited Southern Annang Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikot Okoro, Oruk Anam LGA where hygiene materials were presented to the school to enhance the health of the girl-child.