By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
President of the Ninth Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has said that investing in girls’ education will boost the nation’s development and progress.
Lawan stated this on Wednesday, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child.
According to the lawmaker, who represents Yobe North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, educating the girl child provides the platform for her to be an advocate and catalyst for positive change.
He enjoined Nigerians to reject harmful stereotypes that hold girls back, noting that they deserve to grow up in a world that supports them without the barriers of discrimination.
Lawan said, “Today, we celebrate the incredible strength, resilience, and potential of girls all around the world. It is a day to recognize the importance of empowering girls and ensuring they have equal access to education, healthcare, and opportunities.
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“Girls are the future leaders, change-makers, and innovators of our society. They deserve to grow up in a world that supports and nurtures their dreams, enabling them to reach their full potential without any barriers or discrimination.
“On this day, let us commit ourselves to champion gender equality and dismantling the harmful stereotypes that hold girls back. Let us encourage their ambitions, nurture their talents, and provide them with the tools they need to shine.
“By investing in girls’ education, we not only empower individuals but also boost the development and progress of Nigeria. When girls are educated, they become powerful advocates for change, breaking the cycle of poverty and contributing to a more just and equitable world.”
Meanwhile, a non-governmental Organisation, Girls Beyond Reach Foundation popularly known as Daddys Girls has offered scholarships to girls resident in Angwan-Shao, Karimo, a slum in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
According to the Foundation, a total of ₦2 million in educational scholarships was awarded to these deserving candidates, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and overcome the socio-economic challenges that often hinder their progress.
The Foundation quoting UNICEF noted that out of over 10 million children in Nigeria who are out of school, 60 per cent of them are girls according to UNICEF.
The scholarship program, which spans over four years, will cover the tuition fees. This holistic approach ensures that the selected students can fully focus on their studies without the financial burden that so often plagues students from low-income backgrounds.
Explaining the modus operandi of the scholarship, the Director of Finance of the Foundation, Mrs Olamide Afolabi noted that each girl is awarded N150,000 per session over four to five years depending on their course of study.
Afolabi said, “We have seen a gap in the education of the girl-child and we are doing our best to fill up that gap. The scholarship is offered to three girls in Karimo, Abuja for now because that is how much money we can afford, we wouldn’t like to drop some along the way because of funds.
“Three of the girls would get N150,000 per session and it would run for four years or five years based on their course of study.”
Earlier, the Director of Operations for the Foundation, Miss Temitope Omogbolagun explained that the scholarship was under the Foundation’s commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty through education.
She said, “According to UNICEF, in Nigeria, out of over 10 million children in Nigeria who are out of school, 60 percent of them are girls. This is the gap we are looking forward to bridge.
“Beyond that, we believe that education is the cornerstone of a brighter future. By investing in these girls, we are not only transforming their lives but also contributing to the progress of our society as a whole.”
Omogbolagun also explained that the selection process for the scholarship recipients was rigorous, with candidates undergoing assessments based on academic merit, leadership potential, and their commitment to community development.
She added, “The three young girls, including a physically challenged ambitious lady who emerged as the chosen beneficiaries, demonstrated exceptional promise and a clear dedication to overcoming adversity.”
The Director of Operations further emphasized the foundation’s mission to uplift disadvantaged communities.
She added, “Aside from this scholarship, we also have a mentorship programme with a robust curriculum that cuts across different areas of life, all these represent a significant stride towards achieving their vision of an inclusive and empowered society.
Similarly, the Director of Mentoring for the Foundation, Mrs Tomisin Latinwo added that the Foundation will continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to creating lasting impact in the lives of disadvantaged individuals.
Latinwo said, “As these three determined young women and the ones who are already on our scholarship and mentoring scheme embark on their educational journey, we believe that they serve as beacons of hope for countless others in similar circumstances, proving that with the right support, barriers can be overcome, and dreams can be realized.
“Daddy’s Girls has set a commendable example for philanthropy and empowerment, demonstrating that every investment in education is an investment in a brighter future for all. And we hope that other Non-Governmental Organisation would follow suit because we believe that together we can.”
