THE First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasized the importance of providing great education to girls in order for them to be able to face societal challenges.
Speaking during an interactive session to mark the 2023 International Day of the Girl-Child in Abuja yesterday, she said the day gave an opportunity for people to reflect on the issues faced by girls in the country while also celebrating their exceptional potential and resilience.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
“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 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 urged the public to ensure that every girl has access to quality education to help set them free from any form of discrimination, and she encouraged adults to protect the girls from all forms of violence, adding that it is everyone’s collective responsibility to create a safe and inclusive environment for girls to thrive.
Tinubu stated that her NGO, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has prioritized girl-child concerns in order to inspire girls to reach their full potential and advance in life.
The First Lady also noted that the girls were the change-makers, inventors, and dreamers who, if given the opportunity, would positively impact the world.
She also urged all Nigerian youths, particularly girls, to dream big and optimistically, “because the dream will keep you alive and keep you going.”
The theme of the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child is “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership and Our Well-being.”
