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MRS Magdalene Ajose, the Wife of General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division of Nigerian Army Sokoto, has urged parents to support girl-child education and skills empowerment.
Ajose, who is the Chairperson of Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), gave the charge during a symposium in commemoration of 2024 International Day of Girl-Child organised by NAOWA on Friday in Sokoto.
She reiterated her commitment to promote academic excellence in NAOWA schools in support of the Nigerian Army’s education drive and advised guardians to support their daughters to pursue their dreams.
She added that “the initiative highlights my commitment to develop the potential of our future leaders and provide steadfast support to our dedicated educators who guide them.
“By recognising excellence, my aim is to motivate everyone in our community to reach new heights and contribute to a brighter, more promising future and society.”
She stressed the need for child mentorship from an experienced and trusted role models to be able to make right choices.
Ajose also advocated inculcating values that would help to guide the girl-child through challenges and opportunities.
She advised parents to always guide their children in choosing the right career path without imposing their will on them.
She urged them to identify the ability and potential in their children to be able to guide and support them in their chosen career path.
The Guest Lecturer, Dr Ai’shatu Alhassan, urged parents to be responsible in catering for the needs of the girl-child to adulthood, which are challenging due to body changes and experiences.
Alhassan spoke about reproductive health issues and demonstrated practical ways to handle situations and cautioned people against early pregnancy, cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and other forms of sexual exploitations.
She suggested more education and skills empowerment for girls by government and other stakeholders, stressing that ignorance and poverty were viable drivers of girls’ exploitation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ajose on Saturday led an early morning rally across streets in Giginya barrack to sensitise residents about the importance of girl-child development.
The rally was participated by NAOWA members, students from four schools and featured display of posters, play of different songs to raise public awareness about celebrating the day of the girl-child.
The annual global observance is celebrated on Oct. 11 to raise awareness about issues that affect the girl-child and the 2024 edition has the theme “Girls’ Vision for the Future.”(NAN)
12th October, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: Magdalene Ajose Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association
