Says empowering them with knowledge is investing in our nation’s future
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said that investing in the girl-child is in the best interest of the nation.
She was speaking at the National Girls Interactive Session with Policy and Decision Makers to commemorate the 2023 International Day of the Girl-Child.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu noted 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 potential.
“Under the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, we are looking at promoting alternative high schools for girls so that despite whatever misadventure they find themselves in, they can still acquire the education that could give them access to higher education.
“I urge all well-meaning Nigerians to help show the girl child that there is a good way”, she said.
The First Lady urged proper tradition and culture.
She also advised the girls and boys present to join voluntary clubs such as Boys Scout, Girls’ Guide, and Red Cross among others.
In her remarks at the event, the Minister for Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye noted that the Federal Government was now more committed to ensuring that harmful and discriminatory practices against the girl-child were eliminated.
She added that it was no more business as usual for those who sexually assault girls as government would prosecute such offenders pointing out that the case of the 8-year-old girl allegedly abused by her stepfather had been taken up by her ministry for prosecution.
There was an interactive session with the girls which was an opportunity for the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu to share some of the government’s vision, the mission of the Renewed Hope Initiative, 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 & Our Well-being”.
Busola Kukoyi
SA Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
