President Bola Tinubu has pledged the commitment of his administration to end gender-based violence and ensure increasing learning opportunities for girls in safe and conducive environments.
Speaking at the launch of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) #WeAreEqual campaign in Nigeria, Tinubu emphasised the importance of education in empowering girls and promoting gender equality. He lauded OAFLAD for its commitment to advance gender equality and narrow the gap in opportunities and appointments across the African continent.
Tinubu, particularly, commended his wife and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who, he said, had chosen education as a primary tool to champion the campaign nationwide.
While noting that the launch of #WeAreEqual Campaign in Nigeria, with a focus on “Education as a Powerful Tool for Change” was critical for Africa’s development, Tinubu said: “We must continue to create opportunities for all our children 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 said the launch of the campaign in Nigeria had come with the re-introduction of the Alternative High School for Girls by the First Lady, saying: “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.
“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.”
“We must be conscious of the fact that the empowerment of women and girls is essential to achieving each of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.”
He also highlighted the importance of laws and policies that protect and promote women’s rights, investment in girls’ education and skills development towards creating economic opportunities accessible to all.
