From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The First Lady of of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has said that investing in the girl-child is in the best interest of the nation.
According to a statement issued by her Media to Aide, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady was speaking at the National Girls Interactive Session with Policy and Decision Makers to commemorate the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child.
Mrs. Tinubu stressed that the girl child must be protected from all forms of violence with a safe and inclusive environment provided for them to thrive.
“Our girls are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. It’s high time we break down barriers that have held them back for long. Education is the key weapon that we must use to ensure that every girl is free from discrimination and intimidation.
“This is one of the reasons I have taken it as a priority to encourage the girl child so she can achieve her potentials.
“Under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), we are looking at promoting alternative high school for girls so that despite whatever misadventure they find themselves, they can still acquire education that could give them access to higher education. I urge all well meaning Nigerian to help show the girl child that there is a good way”.
The First Lady also advised the girls and boys present to join voluntary clubs such as Boys Scout, Girls Guide, Red Cross among others.
The Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, on her part assured that the Federal Government is now more committed to ensuring that harmful and discriminatory practices against the girl-child are totally eliminated.
She continued by saying that it is no more business as usual for those who sexually assault girls because the government would prosecute such offenders.
She mentioned that her Ministry has taken up the issue of the 8-year-old girl who is purportedly the victim of abuse from her stepfather and is working to get him charged.
The highlight of the event was an interactive session with the girls which was an opportunity for the First Lady, share some of government’s vision, the mission of the pet project, RHI and also her dreams for the future of the Nigerian girl.
The 2023 International Day of the Girl Child has the theme “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership and Our Well-being”.