By Segun Adewale, Bauchi
Stakeholders in the nation have been called upon to amplify girls’ voices, support their leadership and commit to creating safe, inclusive spaces where they can thrive.
The UNICEF Education Officer, Bauchi Field Office, Raphael Aiyedipe who stated this during the celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child held in Bauchi, said that millions of girls still face barriers ranging from violence, child marriage, lack of education, and mental health challenges, adding that the facts are sobering, but the solutions are within reach.
He noted when the nation invest in girls, it invest in stronger communities and brighter economies, calling on every one to stand with girls because when girls lead, the world moves forward.
“On behalf of UNICEF, I welcome you all with immense pleasure and pride to this year’s celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, held under the theme “The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontline of crisis,” 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 year’s theme, ‘The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontline of crisis’, reminds us that girls are not just survivors of adversity-they are leaders shaping a better future. Across the globe, girls are rising. They are leading movements, challenging norms, innovating in science and technology, excelling in classrooms, and building communities.
“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.
“To every girl here today: You are not just the future-you are the present. Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. Your dreams matter. And we are here to celebrate you, support you, and walk with you every step of the way.Let us make this day more than a celebration. Let it be a spark for change, a platform for progress, and a promise kept,” he said.
In her paper presentation titled ‘Breaking Barriers in Education: Why every girl belongs in education, Professor Doris Boryo, Dean, Post Graduate Studies, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi, advocated for the girl-child education in the country.
She stated that by ensuring a girl has equal access to education, employment and adequate healthcare, the benefits will be passed on to her children, community and her country.
Professor Doris said that children of educated women are less likely to die before their first birthday, pointing out that this is because girls with education are less likely to contract HIV AIDS and less likely to pass it on to their children and if women all over the world had a secondary education, child deaths would be cut in half, saving millions of lives.
“Educated women tend to make better decisions regarding health and nutrition, leading to better health outcomes for themselves and their families.Women are most vulnerable to trafficking when they are undereducated and poor – according to the United Nations Inter-Agency Project on Human trafficking. Through providing young girls with opportunities and fundamental skills, this billion- dollar industry can be significantly undermined,” she said.
Also speaking, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani Omolori-Aliyu, said that the safety, dignity and rights of a girl-child were protected by the international convention on the rights of the girl child.
Represented by ASP Ladi Hycynth, the Commissioner said that the convention also granted the girls rights to survival, development, education, freedom from harm and exploitation, including practices like early child marriage and female genital mutilation among others.
