Silver Lining for the Needy Initiative (SLNI) Attended the National Girls Interactive Session with Policy and Decision Makers organized by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to mark the 2023
International Day of the Girl Child which is held on the 11th of October 2023 at Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development Abuja, FCT. The event was graced by esteemed guests and dignitaries from various sectors, including key staff and representatives from the Federal Ministry of
Women Affairs, and other distinguished organizations as well as international organizations. Some of the distinguished persons in attendance were;
1. The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency,
Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.
2. The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development; H.
E Barr. Uju Kennedy.
3. H.E Mrs. Ekaite Akpabi; Wife of the Senate President.
4. H.E Prof. Hafsat Ganduje; Wife of the APC National Chairman.
5. Mrs. Salamatu Gbajamialia; Wife of the Chief of Staff to the
President.
6. Mrs Ogogom Musa; Wife of the Chief of Army Staff
7. Mr. Ibrahim Idris; Acting Permanent Secretary of the FMWA
8. Hon. Asabe Vilita Bashir: Director General of the Women’s Development
Centre.
The occasion was organized to celebrate girls and promote the essence of femininity having vast representation from pupils and students of public and private schools within the FCT. The event commenced at 10:15 am following the arrival and registration of participants and was hosted by the veteran journalist and
broadcaster Moji Makanjuola. The guest speaker for the event was Mr. Idris Mohammed, the overseeing Permanent Secretary (FMWA) Mr. Mohammed delivered an impactful opening remark, highlighting the need for gender equality, eliminating stereotypes, and fostering inclusive spaces, he welcomed everyone to
the event and urged those present to renew their dedication to ensuring every girl can thrive. There were goodwill messages from partners like UNICEF, Save the Children, UNFPA, and stakeholders. The event received significant media coverage, with notable media organizations such as NTA, TVC, and AIT in
attendance.
During the event, there were cultural dances from the girls and boys representing
their different schools at the event showcasing rich cultural heritage. The highlight of the event was the interactive session that comprised of questions and comments from the girls and boys representing different non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations, a particularly inspiring moment was the
response that came from First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu to a question asked which was ‘How can young girls participate in decision-making and be able to occupy public offices? her response emphasized the need for proper education which will result in effective preparation for future endeavors, she said that education gave her a wide playing field to be anything she wanted to be. Mrs. Ekaite Akpabio and H.E Barr Uju Kennedy also delivered outstanding responses to the questions and gave comments and recommendations as well. H.E, Oluremi
Tinubu shared her journey and the importance of humanitarian aid, and volunteering
as part of her transformational journey. The Hon.Minister FMWA Barr. Uju Kennedy in her Keynote address expressed her gratitude to the First Lady of Nigeria for providing valuable advice and insights to the girls and boys present during the interactive session and encouraged all the children present
especially the girls to be diligent in their endeavors and take their education seriously.
The First Lady in her speech recognized the dignitaries host and planning committee and acknowledged everyone present while emphasizing the need to reflect on the challenges faced by girls in Nigeria and urged everyone to celebrate the remarkable potential and resilience of the girl child. She shed light on the ‘Renewed Hope’s initiative interventions towards girl child education in promoting alternative high school for girls to ensure they achieve a good education. There were poems and spoken words presented, a goodwill remark was delivered by the speaker of the children’s parliament Hon. Rahamat Waziri appreciated the event organizers and expressed gratitude to the planning committee, all the dignitaries and everyone present and she stressed the need to continue to support and empower girls in society she thanked the First Lady especially for her advice and input. The vote of thanks was delivered by the D.G Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development appreciates everyone who worked to make the event a success and expressed gratitude to the First Lady and the Minister FMWA for the opportunity to be part of the event, she stated that everyone should take home what was learned and ensure to protect and uphold the rights of the ‘Girl Child’ in every way.
CONCLUSION
SLNI’s participation in the National Girls Interactive Session was a testament to our
unwavering commitment to empowering the girl child. The event, convened by the
Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, united key decision-makers and distinguished
figures, underscoring the significance of promoting gender equality and celebrating
the essence of femininity.
Commencing with a powerful opening remark by Mr. Idris Mohammed, the overseeing Permanent
Secretary, the event resonated with the shared goal of fostering inclusivity and eliminating stereotypes. Esteemed guests, including the First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu and Hon.Minister FMWA Barr. Uju Kennedy, delivered insightful responses during the interactive session, emphasizing the pivotal role of education in shaping the future of young girls.
The spotlight on ‘Renewed Hope’ initiative interventions towards girl child education showcased a collective determination to provide alternative high school opportunities for girls, ensuring they attain quality education.
Cultural displays, poems, and spoken words added vibrancy to the occasion, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and creative expressions of the attending girls and boys.
The event’s success was magnified by significant media coverage and active involvement of partners like UNICEF, Save the Children, and UNFPA. The impassioned goodwill remark from the Speaker of the Children’s Parliament, Hon. Rahamat Waziri echoed the importance of continued support and empowerment for girls in our society.
As we express gratitude in the vote of thanks delivered by the Director General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, the call to protect and uphold the rights of the ‘Girl Child’ resonates. The lessons learned and shared experiences serve as a driving force for SLNI to persist in our mission, ensuring a brighter future for every girl.
