President Bola Tinubu on Monday, committed to creating opportunities for all children in Nigeria, particularly the girls, to access quality education without leaving anyone behind.
He also reaffirmed his determination to engender a society where everyone has the same opportunities, regardless of social or economic status, for a stronger and more peaceful society.
Speaking at the launch of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development, OAFLAD, #WeAreEqual campaign in Abuja, Tinubu said research has consistently highlighted education as the cornerstone for national development.
“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.
“We must 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”, the President noted.
While describing the campaign of the African First Ladies as significant for the continent, Tinubu stressed the need for empowerment of women and girls as essential towards achieving each of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“It is noteworthy 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.
“I am happy to note that the foundation stone of one of the schools was recently laid in Osun State, in western Nigeria, by the First Lady. 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.
“This Campaign, spearheaded by Your Excellencies, holds significant importance for us in Africa. I therefore congratulate you all. I particularly congratulate my dear wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, who has chosen education as a primary tool to champion this campaign nationwide.
“I am aware that this campaign has been successfully launched in 15 other African countries, focusing on health, education, economic empowerment and gender based violence. I am also delighted to learn of all the various initiatives that Your Excellencies have embarked upon in your respective countries. I celebrate you all.
“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.
“I reaffirm my 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.
“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 for the better”.
The President applauded the commitment and dedication of the African First Ladies, as members of OAFLAD, to advance gender equality and narrow the gender gap in opportunities and appointments across the African continent.
