International Disc Jockey (DJ) and philanthropist, Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, also known as DJ Cuppy, has advocated quality education for children across the world.
Otedola spoke at the occasion of the International Day of Peace Youth Event at the United Nations, New York, on Thursday, September 14.
Speaking about how passionate she is about Sustainable Development Goal 4 which is about quality education, Florence called for the protection, support, and empowerment of girls.
Otedola said: “Peace begins with us. You can make the world a better place. I would not be standing here if not because of my education.
“I have a deep passion for making an impact through education. My foundation founded six years ago has been focused on Education. I’ve three University degrees. Education is everything, it has paved the way for me. It has allowed me to become a woman with an international vision.
“Life can be tough and unpeaceful. I was in Borno state, Nigeria in 2019, and I was frightened. We need to protect, support and empower girls. We know empowerment can put food on the table, but education can build the table.
“We’ve projects which support over 50,000 people. I want to challenge you all to start. We can do something meaningful. It takes an effort. Find what your gift is, and see how to use it. Peace begins with us.”
Popular Nigerian poet and writer, Ms. Karimot Odebode in her remarks called for collective action to end female genital mutilation practices.
She said: “In Nigeria, there are about millions of out-of-school children. Also, children in IDP camps are suffering. Every child has the right to quality education. Peace is fundamental to our progress as humans.
“Gender equality is critical to the achievement of global peace. Women should not be subjected to female genital mutilation. I’m committed to ending FGM. We must take into consideration how harmful traditional practices are dragging us back.
“Look inward at yourself, look outward in your community. Government must achieve global goals to attain global peace.”
The Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, Melissa Fleming in her remarks said: “Millions of people suffer from poverty, hunger, injustice, and equalities which are in turn further threatening peace. The situation is dire. But I’m really happy to tell you hope is not elusive. There is a roadmap for a better world.
“In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly leaders from all UN member states made a historic promise to work together to secure the rights and wellbeing of everyone on a thriving planet by the year 2030.
“They also committed to leaving no one behind. The promise of these world leaders was codified in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals known as the SDGs.”
