The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Bauchi Field Office, says girls are not just survivors of adversity, but are leaders shaping a better future.
Mr Raphael Aiyedipe, the Education Officer, UNICEF Nigeria, Bauchi Field Office, stated this in Bauchi on Saturday during the commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girls.
According to him, across the globe, girls are rising, leading movements, challenging norms, innovating in science and technology, excelling in classrooms, and building communities.
Aiyedipe, however, said that yet, millions of girls still face barriers-violence, child marriage, lack of education, and mental health challenges.
He added that the facts were sobering, but the solutions were within reach.
“Today, we gather not just to commemorate, but to commit to amplify the voices of girls, to champion their rights, and to invest in their futures.
“This day is a call to action; a reminder that every girl deserves the freedom to dream; the tools to thrive; and the power to lead. It is a moment to listen to girls; to learn from them; and to stand beside them as allies and advocates, ” he said.
According to him, together let us amplify girls’ voices; support their leadership; and commit to creating safe, inclusive spaces where they can thrive.
“Together, we stand with girls because when girls lead, the world moves forward. When we invest in girls, we invest in stronger communities and brighter economies,” he said.
In her paper presentation entitled: ‘Breaking Barriers in Education: Why every Girl belongs in education”, Prof. Doris Boryo, advocated for the girl child education in the country.
Boryo, who is the Dean, Post Graduate Studies, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi, said when a girl was educated, it increases her involvement in political processes.
According to her, educated women were more likely to participate in political discussions, meetings and decision making.
These, she said, promote a more representative and effective government, safe sex education and infant mortality.
“If women all over the world had a secondary education, child deaths would be cut in half, saving millions of lives and it will decrease the level of child marriage.
“It also strengthens economies and advances the fight to end poverty.
“When women of a country are learned and educated, the whole economy develops and flourishes,” she said.
The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi state, Sani Omolori-Aliyu said the safety, dignity and rights of a girl child were protected by international convention on the rights of the girl child.
Represented by ASP Ladi Hycynth, the commissioner said that the convention also granted the girls right to survival, development, education, freedom from harm and exploitation.
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