United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, High Level Women Advocates, HILWA, and Niger State Universal Basic Education Board, NSUBEB, have pledged to promote girl-child education for family and societal impact.
They made the pledge during a programme organised by the groups to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child in Minna yesterday.
The Chairman of NSUBEB, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim noted that educating a girl-child amounts to laying the foundation for a brighter future, improved family dynamics and better society.
He said UNICEF’s records indicate that the state has about half a million out-of-school children, adding that this calls for urgency in addressing the menace.
UNICEF’s Focal Person in NSUBEB, Hajiya Aishatu Yusuf, commended the collaboration between SUBEB, UNICEF, AGILE and HILWA in promoting girls education.
She urged them to use their resources to boost girl-child education through innovative enrollment, retention, transition and completion strategies, ensuring that the girls return to school.
Chairman of HILWA in Niger, Hajiya Hassan Adamu said the theme of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child shows the significance of girls in the society.
She said the initiative is aimed at promoting girls’ empowerment and education, as well as ensuring that their voices are heard and their potentials fulfilled.
“HILWA inspires girls to reach their full potentials through dedication and handiwork, and equips them with essential skills for personal growth.
“Therefore, we mentor them to make informed decisions, take responsibility and strive for excellence,” Adamu said.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the United Nations General Assembly had set aside October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognise girls’ rights and the unique challenges they face around the world. (NAN)
