……Calls on stakeholders to prioritize the holistic and productive nurturing of girls
By Tony Ezike
On the occasion of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, the Director General South East Governors Forum, Senator Uche Ekwunife CON extends her heartfelt felicitations to the Nigerian girl child, recognizing the day as a significant moment to celebrate the resilience, intelligence, and potential of girls across the country.
This year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” holds particular importance, as it emphasizes the power of girls’ perspectives in shaping a brighter and more equitable future. Ekwunife highlights the importance of listening to the voices of girls, acknowledging their dreams, and supporting their leadership in all spheres of life.
In her capacity as a role model and advocate for women and girls, Senator Ekwunife has made substantial contributions to the empowerment of young girls. Over the years, through various initiatives, she has mentored, trained, and provided resources for young women, ensuring that a considerable number of them are gainfully employed or have become self-reliant entrepreneurs. She firmly believes that investing in the girl child is an investment in the nation’s future.
In her message, Senator Ekwunife urges parents to prioritize the education and well-being of their daughters. She advises parents to foster a home environment that supports learning, self-expression, and confidence-building, reminding them that a well-nurtured girl child will grow into a strong, capable woman who contributes positively to society.
She also calls on teachers to recognize the potential in every girl child, encouraging them to create classrooms where girls feel safe, supported, and inspired to pursue their dreams. Teachers play a critical role in shaping the minds and character of young girls, and Senator Ekwunife advocates for educational systems that promote gender equality and skill development.
To the government, Ekwunife urges continued investment in policies that support the girl child, particularly in areas like education, health, and gender equality. She calls for laws that protect girls from harmful practices such as early marriage and gender-based violence. Furthermore, she emphasizes the need for programs that provide mentorship, vocational training, and financial literacy for girls to help them thrive in a competitive world.
Addressing the young girls across Nigeria, Senator Ekwunife encourages them to take full advantage of the opportunities this year’s celebration offers. She urges them to see themselves as future leaders and to harness their talents, creativity, and intelligence to make meaningful contributions to their families, communities, and the nation.
“You are the architects of your own future,” she says, reminding them to embrace education, develop their skills, and pursue their dreams with passion. She stresses that by doing so, they will not only uplift themselves but also serve as role models for future generations of girls. Ekwunife also advises young girls to stay resilient in the face of challenges, pointing out that the obstacles they overcome today will pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all girls.
In line with her vision for a brighter future for Nigerian youths, Senator Uche Ekwunife reiterates her commitment to the empowerment and productive nurturing of girls and boys. She disclosed that to cultivate a generation of well-groomed young people, which is critical for building a better society, stakeholders must also focus on nurturing the boy child, because both girls and boys deserve equal attention to ensure balanced, responsible future leadership.
She however, called on all stakeholders to work together in creating a society where Anambra and indeed Nigerian boys and girls have the enabling environment to reach their full potentials.
