NIGERIA’S FIRST LADY CHAMPIONS GIRL CHILD EMPOWERMENT
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, the First Lady of Nigeria, emphasized the importance of investing in the girl child during the National Girls Interactive Session to mark the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child.
Highlighting the need to protect girls from violence, Senator Tinubu stressed the urgency of providing a safe and inclusive environment for their development, stating, “Our girls are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today.”
She expressed a commitment to breaking down barriers hindering girls’ progress, identifying education as the key tool to eliminate discrimination and intimidation. Under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), she aims to establish alternative high schools for girls, ensuring they have access to education regardless of their circumstances.
Encouraging fellow Nigerians to support the girl child’s journey, the First Lady emphasized the importance of preserving tradition and culture. Additionally, she urged girls and boys to participate in voluntary clubs like Boys Scouts, Girls Guide, and Red Cross.
Minister for Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, echoed the government’s commitment to eliminating harmful practices against the girl child. She asserted a departure from the status quo, emphasizing that the government will prosecute offenders, citing the case of an 8-year-old allegedly abused by her stepfather, which is under the Ministry’s scrutiny.
The event included an interactive session where Senator Tinubu shared the government’s vision, RHI’s mission, and her aspirations for the future of Nigerian girls. The 2023 International Day of the Girl Child focused on the theme “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership & Our Well-being