Forum Marks Girl Child Day, Promotes Women Leadership

The Unified Nigeria Youth Forum (UNYF) has joined the global community to mark the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, restating its commitment to gender inclusion and youth empowerment as drivers of national renewal.

In line with this year’s theme, “Empower Her Voice, Secure Her Future,” the Forum announced that its forthcoming national summit, tagged “The Patriotic Awakening,” will allocate 49 per cent of its platform to young women as discussants—an initiative aimed at strengthening their participation in national leadership and policymaking.

Speaking ahead of the event scheduled for Saturday at Arewa House, Kaduna, by 9 a.m., UNYF National President, Comrade Olajide Toriah Filani, said the Forum is promoting a culture of inclusion that moves beyond tokenism to ensure women’s voices are central to Nigeria’s renewal agenda.

“Our decision to give young ladies 49 per cent representation in this engagement reflects our belief that their voices must be central in the conversation about Nigeria’s rebirth. The girl child today represents the leadership strength of tomorrow,” Filani stated.

He added that the summit, themed “Nigeria the Way Forward: UNYF Setting the Pace in Nigerian Politics — The Emergence of a New Nigeria,” will gather youth leaders, policy thinkers, and reform advocates to chart practical pathways for rebuilding the nation through visionary and value-driven leadership.

Describing “The Patriotic Awakening” as a call to action, Filani urged Nigerian youths to rise above despair and lead the charge for unity, peace, and progress.

“This is the time for Nigerian youths to own the process of national renewal — one youth, one dream, one destiny,” he said.

Filani reaffirmed the Forum’s readiness to implement programs that empower young Nigerians, especially girls, to become agents of innovation, peace, and sustainable development.

The International Day of the Girl Child, observed globally on October 11, celebrates girls’ rights, resilience, and potential while advocating for equal access to education, opportunity, and leadership.