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Tag: International Day of the Girl Child

  • VP, Sultan, others commit to policies supporting girl child inclusion

    VP, Sultan, others commit to policies supporting girl child inclusion

    In a significant move toward advancing gender equality, key government figures in Nigeria have pledged their commitment to implementing comprehensive policies to enhance the inclusion of the girl child across various sectors.

    This commitment was made at the 6th edition of The Osasu Show(TOS) symposium with the theme “Girls Today Leaders Tomorrow: advancing women representation through policy, held at the national assembly library, Abuja, involving notable leaders, including Vice President, Kashim Shettima; Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’adu Abubakar; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu among other dignitaries.

    The leaders emphasised the urgent need to foster environments where girls can thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of the socio-economic challenges they may face.

    They acknowledged that addressing issues such as education, healthcare, and economic empowerment for girls is crucial for the holistic development of the nation.

    One of the focal points of their conversations was the proposal to prioritise the allocation of reserved seats for women in both national and state assemblies. This move aims to ensure that women’s voices are adequately represented in the decision-making processes that shape the future of the country.

    Speaking at the event, the vice president, represented by his technical adviser on women, youth engagement, and impact, Hauwa Liman, emphasised the administration’s recognition of the vital role women play in nation-building stressing the importance of increased female representation in parliament as a crucial step towards fostering a stronger nation.

    The Sultan reflected on the rich history of women’s involvement in politics and education in pre-colonial Nigeria, urging a return to these values amid current challenges.

    He encouraged Nigerians to embrace their history and culture as a source of strength and reiterated his support for initiatives that positively impact women.

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    The sultan called for a united effort towards enhancing girl child education and promoting a positive narrative about Nigeria, emphasising the blessings and potential of the nation.

    “Together, we can strive toward our goals through the National Assembly. Let’s focus on the education of our girls at the highest level and support one another from the president to local leaders and all citizens,” he concluded.

    Kalu highlighted important statistics from UNICEF stating that approximately 189 million girls are householders, emphasising that the girl child embodies possibility rather than mere vulnerability.

    The convener of the TOS Symposium, Osasu Igbinedion Ogwuche, articulated the pressing need to bridge the gap between elected officials and their constituents while amplifying the voices of vulnerable populations.

    She highlighted the concerning underrepresentation of women in parliament, where Nigeria ranks 184th worldwide and last in Africa.

    Osasu said: “We are here to advocate for the proposal to reserve seats for women in parliament. This initiative is about closing the democracy gap, ensuring justice and representation, and unlocking the nation’s full potential by bringing women into decision-making roles. When women are at the table, nations benefit, and when girls are empowered, societies thrive,” she remarked.

  • Young & Pure holds conference on ‘Girls’ vision for the future’

    Young & Pure holds conference on ‘Girls’ vision for the future’

    In commemoration of this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, the Association for the Education of Young Girls aka Young & Pure held a conference/workshop to discuss the theme of the day: ‘Girls vision for the future’.

    The event which had about a hundred girls from schools across Amuwo Odofin Local Government and environs was held at The Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloye Anglican Nursery and Primary School, FESTAC Town, Lagos.

    According to the founder of the association and convener of the event, Mrs. Juliet Keshinro, the event was to mark the day and gather and inform the young girls about the theme of the day.

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    Stated Keshinro, who said she is driven by a passion for the girl child: “My passion for the girl child is driven by the fact that as a growing child, I did not live with my parents, and because I lived with people, they told me the things that I was not. It was when I found Christ that God began to lead me and I discovered who I am and I’m grateful to God. And that’s why I resolved that for every girl child, I am going to impact them until they begin to live their dream, like I am living my dream today.”The day also featured a panel discussion, which aimed at preparing the girls for the future and also avail them the opportunity ask questions and get answers on issues that can direct their thought patterns.

    The panel comprised: Barrister Omonigho Ogbe, Coach Nneka Okonkwo, who teaches strategy and how to become what one wants, and Coach Uzor Nonye Iweka, a life coach, who educates people on how to use the resources at their disposal to be all they want to be.

  • Avoid distraction, Makinde’s wife urges girl child

    Avoid distraction, Makinde’s wife urges girl child

    Wife of Oyo Governor Mrs Tamunominini Makinde has urged girls child across the State to stay focus, dream big, work hard and avoid distractions from social media, drugs and peer pressure.

    She reiterated the importance of vision in achieving success, urging girls to stay focused on their education.

    Speaking in Ibadan at a programme to commemorate this year’s International Day of the Girl Child with the theme:“Your vision and dreams for the future are Valued and achievable”, Mrs Makinde noted that a bright future lies in the vision and aspirations of girls themselves. 

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    According to her, girls are the authors of their vision, dreams and future.

    She emphasised that girls are not just leaders of tomorrow but today’s leaders, deserving every opportunity to thrive.

    The Governor’s wife urged teachers, mentors, and parents to guide and encourage girls to believe in themselves.

    She urged everyone to recommit to working together to create a future where every girl can realize their vision.

    Highlight of the event include presentation of laptop computer to top three girls with best results in 2023 and 2024 Senior Secondary School Certificate Education (SSCE) in recognition of their exceptional dedication and hard work.

  • Ike urges govt, stakeholders to break down barriers limiting girls 

    Ike urges govt, stakeholders to break down barriers limiting girls 

    The Vice Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Grace Ike, Friday, tasked the government at all levels, well-meaning Nigerians and other stakeholders to work together break barriers that limits the potentials of the girl child across the country.

    She said this as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child.

    Ike, who is a journalist and strong human rights activist,made the call in a statement personally signed.

    She stressed the importance of empowering girls to envision and shape the world they want to live in.

    Hence, she urged, that all the bedeviling barriers erected by society, religion, tradition and emotions be destroyed, especially, in Nigeria where the girl child is not really given her place and voice but made to be a lesser being in the scheme of things.

    She said, “Today, we join the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child, a day set aside to recognise the unique challenges faced by girls worldwide and to promote their rights and well-being. 

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    “This year’s theme, ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future’ highlights the importance of empowering girls to envision and shape the world they want to live in. 

    “It reminds us that the future belongs to those who dare to dream and take action to make those dreams a reality.

    “In Nigeria, this day holds special significance as we reflect on the vital role girls play in shaping our nation’s future. Their education, health, and protection are key to building a prosperous society. 

    “Yet, many Nigerian girls face significant barriers—limited access to education, child marriage, gender-based violence, and discrimination—that prevent them from realising their vision for a brighter future”.

    “On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing the rights of girls in Nigeria, especially by supporting their aspirations and dreams. We call upon government bodies, civil society, the private sector, and all citizens to take concrete steps to address the systemic challenges girls face. 

    “Together, we must work to ensure quality education: Every girl deserves the opportunity to receive a quality education. By investing in their education, we enable them to imagine and create the future they envision for themselves and their communities.

    “Protect girls from violence and exploitation: We must intensify efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against girls, including child marriage, sexual abuse, and trafficking. A safe and secure environment is crucial for girls to pursue their dreams without fear.

    “Promote health and well-being: We must invest in the health and well-being of Nigerian girls, ensuring access to quality healthcare, menstrual hygiene management, and sexual and reproductive health services. Healthy girls can fully engage with their vision for the future.

    “Challenge gender norms and empower girls: Nigerian girls must be empowered to participate in decision-making processes at all levels of society. We must dismantle the societal norms that limit their opportunities and provide mentorship and platforms where they can express their vision for the future with confidence.”

    However, Ike charged women and girls to be more resilient and dogged to surmount challenges they encounter on their path to greatness.

    “On this International Day of the Girl Child, let us celebrate the strength, resilience, and potential of every Nigerian girl. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the architects of the future they envision today. By standing together, we can support their dreams and create a world where every girl’s vision for the future becomes a reality.

    “Together, we can build a brighter future for Nigerian girls and for our nation”, she said.