First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, has admonished girls who dropped out of school due to early pregnancy, abuse, domestic violence and financial difficulties not to give up on achieving their dreams and goals.
She stated this during the inauguration and formal handover of the Alternative High School for Girls in Oshogbo, Osun State on Friday.
The facility which was built in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), is under the Renewed Hope Initiative’s (RHI) Access to Education For All Programme.
The First Lady said the school will provide a second chance at formal education for girls that unfortunately dropped out of school.
“To the beneficiaries of this school, I want to say to you all, your past does not define you.
“This is another chance; another opportunity and you must embrace it with determination and focus. Just believe in yourself and know there is light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.
Girls’ Right
Mrs. Tinubu noted that the formal education of the girl child cannot be over emphasized.
“Education empowers individuals to reach their full potential. It is not merely a privilege but a fundamental human right, regardless of gender or circumstance.
“Through this facility, we are not only giving these girls and women a second chance at formal education but equipping them with life skills to rebuild their confidence, independence and potential to contribute meaningfully to society.
“I like to add that investing in women and girls education, is investing in the future of our nation,” she added.
At the event, the First Lady said she is highly committed to the wellbeing and welfare of the ordinary Nigerian, which is also one of the strong qualities of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Renewed Hope
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, commended the efforts of the First Lady especially through her Renewed Hope Initiative, which he said is truly living up to its mantra “towards a better life for families.”
He said the state has benefited immensely and is still benefitting from the initiative.
Governor Adeleke thanked the wife of the President for establishing the school and also for handing it over to the State government to run.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Ahmed noted that the education of the girl child and the establishment of the Alternative High School for Girls are interwoven; as this will further push the nation in the direction of achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 4.
The facility has a creche, skills acquisition center, modern classrooms among others.
Empowerment
There was also the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme where 1000 women in Osun State were provided with items and N50,000 business re-capitalization grants by Mrs Tinubu.
She urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the seed money given to them.
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