From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring no child is left out of school, particularly emphasizing the importance of supporting the girl child. He made this pledge at the launch of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) Nigeria’s campaign, “WeAreEqual,” which focuses on education as a tool for change and ensuring no girl is left behind.
Addressing a distinguished audience of First Ladies from across Africa, government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps, President Tinubu highlighted the critical role of education in fostering gender equity and providing equal opportunities for all. He invited the African First Ladies to collaborate with him in achieving this goal, stating, “If there’s anything you want me to contribute, I’m ready and available.”
He commended the efforts of African First Ladies in advancing gender equality and lauded the initiatives undertaken in various African nations to empower women and girls.
“I salute the commitment and dedication of the African First Ladies, as members of OAFLAD, to advance gender equality and narrow the gender gap in opportunities and appointments across the African continent,” he said. “This Campaign, spearheaded by Your Excellencies, holds significant importance for us in Africa. I therefore congratulate you all. I particularly congratulate my dear wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, who has chosen education as a primary tool to champion this campaign nationwide.”
President Tinubu underscored the importance of creating inclusive educational opportunities for all children, particularly emphasizing the significance of supporting the girl child. He praised the reintroduction of the Alternative High School for Girls in Nigeria by the First Lady, a program aimed at offering a second chance for young girls to pursue their education and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He emphasized the transformative power of education, citing it as a cornerstone for national progress and prosperity. He called for concerted efforts to eliminate structural inequalities that hinder women’s advancement and stressed the need for policies that promote women’s rights, education, and economic empowerment.
“It is noteworthy that the launch of this laudable campaign in Nigeria came with the reintroduction of the Alternative High School for Girls by the First Lady,” he said. “This initiative offers a second chance to young girls who have dropped out of school to further their education and fulfill their dreams and aspirations and become a very important contributor to the development of our nation.”
He added, “I am happy to note that the foundation stone of one of the schools was recently laid in Osun State, in western Nigeria, by the First Lady. More schools are underway across the country, supported by state governments, the federal government through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and other development partners.”
Drawing on his experience as governor of Lagos State, President Tinubu spoke about the societal challenges that can obstruct the promising future of young girls, including unwanted teenage pregnancy, domestic violence, human trafficking, and drug addiction. He emphasized the importance of empowering women and girls to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“We must work together to promote laws and policies that protect and promote women’s rights, invest in girls’ education and skills development, and create economic opportunities that are accessible to all,” he said.
In his closing remarks, President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring every Nigerian child receives quality education, empowering women and girls to lead and effect positive change in their communities. He urged continued collaboration and mentorship to instill cultural pride and traditions in young girls, fostering a sense of unity and collective well-being.
President Tinubu concluded by officially launching the #WeAreEqual Campaign in Nigeria, expressing gratitude to the First Ladies for their leadership and dedication. He encouraged ongoing support for the campaign, recognizing the pivotal role educated girls play in shaping a brighter future for Africa.