The First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has emphasized the critical importance of investing in the empowerment of the girl-child for the betterment of the nation.
She made this known during the National Girls Interactive Session with Policy and Decision Makers, held in commemoration of the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child.
The 2023 International Day of the Girl centered around the theme, “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership & Our Well-being.”
According to a statement released by Tinubu’s media aide, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs. Tinubu stressed the need to shield the girl-child from all forms of violence and provide a secure, inclusive environment for their development.
She emphasized that girls are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but also hold leadership roles in the present. Mrs. Tinubu urged the dismantling of barriers that have hindered their progress for far too long, highlighting education as the crucial tool to ensure every girl is free from discrimination and intimidation.
She said, “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.”
Furthermore, she encouraged the girls and boys present to engage in voluntary clubs like Boys Scout, Girls Guide, and Red Cross, among others.
During her remarks at the event, the Minister for Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, affirmed the Federal Government’s increased dedication to eradicating harmful and discriminatory practices against the girl child.
She emphasized that there will be no leniency for those who perpetrate sexual assault, as the government will pursue legal action against such offenders. The case of the 8-year-old girl allegedly abused by her stepfather has already been taken up by the Ministry for prosecution.
The event featured an interactive session with the girls, providing an opportunity for Tinubu, the First Lady, to share the government’s vision, the mission of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), and her aspirations for the future of Nigerian girls.
