The Nigerian Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen has called on influential people in the society to promote Girl child education.
Mrs Tallen made the appeal at the Launch of Children’s Story books written by the Special Assistant on Special Duties in the Office of Permanent Secretary Ministry of Petroleum, Halima Usman.
She also commended the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Bitrus Nabasu for supporting women and literary development in the country.
“I want to thank the Permanent Secretary for taking his time to sign the letters of invitation on behalf of Halima Usman to give it the needed backing. I also sincerely appreciate the entire staff of Ministry of Petroleum, from the Minister of State, GMD NNPC and everyone. I sincerely thank the representative of the Minister of State, Timipre Sylva. You are a true ‘he for she’. I appreciate you and your entire staff for exhibiting that you believe in women and you are out to support a worthy staff” Mrs Tallen said.
The Deputy Governor of Gombe State, North-east Nigeria, Mr Manassah Jatau, commended the Author for the initiative of writing for children.
He said that ”the books would promote reading culture amongst children.”
Jatau applauded the Author, for several efforts in giving women and children a voice in the society and for her support in raising the standard of education in Gombe through her annual Gombe Day of Literature.
The Deputy Governor also expressed readiness of the State Government to partner Usman in shaping the future of Gombe children.
The Author of the books, Halima Usman, said that she was inspired to educate the children about sustainable Development Goals through storytelling.
She said that ”the public presentation of the books, which are predominantly targeted for children, is aimed at reaching as many less privileged children as possible in rural communities to instill a sound ethical value in them as well as educating them on Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.”
Usman noted that her greatest desire was to reach as many children as possible.
The Author who doubles as Chairman Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, Abuja chapter expressed gratitude to everyone who encouraged her in making her dream a reality.
The books presented were; Mallam Sidi, Fauziya Saves The Day, Mr Cockroach, The Big Aquarium, Emeka The Farmer, Kola & Lola and Against The Odds.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
