Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated her commitment to girl-child education in Nigeria, stressing that it is the only way to empower her and build the nation.
Mrs Tinubu renewed her commitment, on Friday, at the commissioning of a newly built Alternative High School For Girls in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.
She said the commissioning marked the fulfilment of a vow she made during the Launch of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) WeAreEqual Campaign in May.
According to her, the focus is to use education as a tool for change, ensuring that every girl is given the right platform to excel and carried along on the journey towards empowerment and success.
She stated that education should not be seen as a privilege but a fundamental right available to all, regardless of gender, religion or circumstance of birth.
“This is to ensure that all women and girls regardless of their circumstance have access to quality education. The Renewed Hope Initiative will continue to champion programmes that empower girls, women and youth across the country, towards a better life for families.
“This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu urged those who dropped out of school due to lack of funds, cultural barrier or unplanned pregnancy to avail themselves of the opportunity offered by the school to get back on track.
She also encouraged beneficiaries to forget the past and focus on the future they want to create for themselves through education, insisting that they could be whatever they wanted to be.
“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 every tunnel.
“Through these facilities, we are not only giving these girls and women, a second chance at formal education, but also equipping them with life skills to rebuild their confidence, independence, and potential to contribute meaningfully to society,” the first lady said.
The State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in his remarks appreciated the first lady and Universal Basic Education (UBEC) for counting Osun worthy of hosting such a life changing initiative.
He called for more of such partnerships between the state and the federal government so that more lives could be transformed.
Wife of the Osun State Governor, Mrs Titilola Adeleke, also lauded the vision of the first lady and expressed support for her commitment to girl-child education.
Dominica Nwabufo
Comments are closed.