Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu says investing in the girl child is in the best interest of the nation.
Mrs Tinubu said this on Wednesday in Abuja, at the National Girls Interactive Session with Policy and Decision Makers to commemorate the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child.
She noted that girl child must be protected from all forms of violence with a safe and inclusive environment provided for them to thrive.
“Our girls are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. It’s high time we break down barriers that have held them back for long. Education is the key weapon that we must use to ensure that every girl is free from discrimination and intimidation,” the President’s wife said.
Mrs Tinubu said as a mother, she would continue to advocate for the girl child in Nigeria.
She said; “This is one of the reasons I have taken it as a priority to encourage the girl child so she can achieve her potential.
“Under the Renewed Hope Initiative, we are looking at promoting alternative high schools for girls so that despite whatever misadventure they find themselves, they can still acquire education that could give them access to higher education.
“I urge all well-meaning Nigerians to help show the girl child that there is a good way.”
The First Lady said that proper tradition and culture should be inculcated in the lives of Nigeria. girls.
She also advised the girls and boys present to join voluntary clubs such as Boys Scout, Girls Guide, and Red Cross among others.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye noted that the Nigerian government is now more committed to ensuring that harmful and discriminatory practices against the girl child are totally eliminated.
She said that it is no more business as usual for those who sexually assault girls as the government would prosecute such offenders, adding that the case of the 8-year-old girl allegedly abused by her stepfather has been taken up by her Ministry for his prosecution.
There was an interactive session with the girls which was an opportunity for the First Lady to share some of the government’s vision, the mission of the Renewed Hope Initiative, and also her dreams for the future of the Nigerian girl.
The 2023 International Day of the Girl Child has the theme “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership & Our Well-being.”
Mercy Chukwudiebere
