The First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has said that investing in the girl-child is in the best interest of the nation.
She spoke at the National Girls Interactive Session with Policy and Decision Makers to commemorate the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child on Wednesday.
According to a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs 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 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,” the First Lady stated.
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 are totally eliminated.
She added that it is no more business as usual for those who sexually assault girls as government will prosecute such offenders pointing out that the case of the 8 year old girl allegedly abused by her step father has been taken up by her Ministry for his prosecution.
There was an interactive session with the girls which was an opportunity for the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu to share some of 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.”
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