Enugu State first lady pledges support to girl-child’s wellbeing

On Oct 12, 2023

The Wife of the Enugu State Government, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, has pledged to implement policies and programmes aimed at improving the life of the girl child, especially in the area of education. Mbah made the promise at a ceremony in Enugu, organised to commemorate this year’s International Day of the Girl Child. The theme of the celebration is, “Invest in Girls Rights: Our leadership and wellbeing”.

Mbah, who described the theme as apt, said it was important to empower the girl child and invest in her future. According to her, empowering women is empowering society.

She called on caregivers to prioritise the education, health and safety of the girl child in order to unlock their potential to drive positive changes in their communities. She gave assurance that the Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development would fully support girls rights and leadership.

The state Commissioner for the ministry, Mrs Ngozi Enih, said the day was designed to remind girls about the opportunity to lead by putting them in the forefront of change efforts.

Enih said that to listen to their voices, responding to their requests and welcoming them in decision-making spaces were part of the ways to invest in a future that believes in the girl child. The commissioner further said that the International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges faced by girls and to promote girls’ empowerment and fulfilment of their human rights.

The event featured inter schools debate, quiz competition, poetry presentations, amongst others from some secondary schools, including the Trans-Ekulu Girls, OSISATECH High School, Providence High School, City Girls, Queens School Enugu and others.

The day is annually marked on Oct. 11 to underscore the pivotal role of girls in society, when nurtured and empowered to break boundaries.

NAN/Wumi