The Emir of Zazzau, Dr Shehu Idris on Thursday canvassed more support for girl-child education, saying it is necessary for societal development.

The monarch made the remark when an NGO, Arewa Youth Trust Foundation, paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The Emir said: “it is, of course, true, if you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate the society because she is a mother and the first teacher of a child.

“Mother is a pacesetter, foundation, and pillars upon which children build their entire life, therefore, if she is educated, she will make sure she raised educated children, thereby liberating and emancipating the society from ills of illiteracy.”

He urged parents to encourage their children including the girl-child to pursue both western and Islamic education for the benefit of not only their immediate family but also the society.

Idris pledged his total support to individuals and groups holistically involved in promoting the girl-child education, and in addressing the welfare of orphans and fighting drug abuse.