The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has described empowerment of girls and women as the smartest investment any country can make.
Mr Obi stated this in a message in a titled, “Empowering the Girl Child: Securing Our Common Future”, to mark the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child.
Obi pointed out that an educated girl becomes a pillar of stability in her family, a force for development in her community, and a beacon of hope for the nation.
He, therefore, challenged Nigerians to commit themselves to deliberate action including: bringing every girl back to school, protecting her from abuse and domestic violence, and ensuring that she has access to education, healthcare, and dignity.
The former governor of Anambra state said, “The strength of our nation will be measured by how well we nurture the dreams of our girls and give them the tools to achieve them. “When we educate a girl, we elevate a family; when we empower a girl, we transform a nation.
“Let us, on this day, renew our resolve to build a Nigeria where every girl can dream freely, learn confidently, and contribute meaningfully to our shared destiny,”
Obi advised.He posited that the International Day of the Girl Child, reminded the citizens of the immense potential that lies within every girl when she is given the right opportunities to learn, grow, and lead. “Sadly, in Nigeria today, more than 29 million children remain out of school, and the majority of them are girls. This grim reality confronts us with an uncomfortable truth: we are failing to safeguard the dreams and future of our daughters. A society that neglects its girls undermines its own progress and weakens the foundations of its future,” the former Governor lamented and wished the Girl Child happy celebrations.
