Women
By Anthony Isibor
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has commended the commitment and dedication of the African First Ladies, as members of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development, OAFLAD, for their efforts towards bridging the gender gap in Africa.
The President, who made the commendation at the launch of the organization in Nigeria on Monday in Abuja tagged #Weareequal Campaign, noted that the empowerment of women and girls is essential to achieving each of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
The campaign, which has been successfully launched in 15 other African countries, focuses on health, education, economic empowerment and gender based violence, is intended to help advance gender equality and narrow the gender gap in opportunities and appointments across the African continent.
The Nigerian branch of the organization headed by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, has, however, chosen education as a primary tool to champion the campaign nationwide.
President Tinubu also called on all the First Ladies to work together to promote laws and policies that protect and promote women’s rights, invest in girls’ education and skills development and create economic opportunities that are accessible to all.
He explained that the focus of the launch of this campaign in Nigeria, “Education as a Powerful Tool for Change” is critical for Africa’s development, if we are to attain gender equity and ensure equal opportunities for all.
He called on the First Ladies to continue to create opportunities for all children to be able to access quality education without leaving anyone behind, particularly the girl child.
“We must engender a society where everyone has the same opportunities, regardless of who they are, because doing that leads to a stronger and more peaceful society for all,” he noted.
“Indeed, the reintroduction of Alternative High School for girls by the First Lady of Nigeria must have received inspiration from the successful implementation of a similar initiative in Lagos State during my tenure as governor.
“Research has consistently highlighted education as the cornerstone for national development. When girls are empowered to pursue their dreams, communities thrive, economies prosper and nations succeed.
“It is, therefore, incumbent on all of us to continue to take bold and decisive actions to eliminate the structural inequalities that hold women back on the continent.
“For us in Nigeria, the full operationalization of the Student’s Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act is key to achieving these goals as it will ensure that all young people have unhindered access to education.
“The Nigerian government, through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, is also implementing a N50,000 non-repayable grant programme for one million Nigerians in Nano businesses and skilled trades, including women and youth.
“We will continue to work to end gender-based violence and increase learning opportunities for girls in safe and conducive environments. These measures will enable more women succeed in different vocations and properly shape their future endeavours, from politics to engineering, science, technology, sports and the creative economy,” he said
While commending the African First Ladies for the #WeAreEqual campaign, he added that more mentorship is needed to help girls embrace their cultural identities and traditions proudly and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian child is excluded from quality education that prepares women and girls to lead and bring positive changes to our communities.
“As Africans, we believe in wholesome society. We are family-oriented, and we value the collective well-being of all. It is our duty as parents and guardians to teach our girls our cherished cultural values and traditions. Africans are known for warm hospitality and generosity. Our can-do-spirit also imbues us with the ability to thrive in challenging environments and circumstances. We are who we are. We are Africans.
“Let us carry forward this campaign, which promises to gift an educated girl-child the potential to bring the necessary change and transform African communities,” he said.
Realnews recalls that that the launch of this laudable campaign in Nigeria came with the reintroduction of the Alternative High School for Girls by the First Lady. This initiative offers a second chance to young girls who have dropped out of school to further their education and fulfil their dreams and aspirations.
To this effect, Senator Oluremi Tinubu recently laid the foundation stone of one of the schools in Osun State, and according to President Tinubu, more schools are underway across the country, supported by state governments, the federal government through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and other development partners.
A.I
Tags: OAFLAD President Bola Tinubu SENATOR Oluremi Tinubu
