First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has admonished girls who dropped out of school due to early pregnancy, abuse, domestic violence and financial difficulties not to give up on achieving their life long dreams and goals.
She stated this during the commissioning and formal handover of the Alternative High School for Girls in Osogbo, Osun State on Friday, 13 December, 2024.
The facility which was built in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI’s) Access to Education For All Programme, according to the First Lady, will provide a second chance at formal education for such girls.
“To the beneficiaries of this school, I want to say to you all, your past does not define you. This is another chance; another opportunity and you must embrace it with determination and focus. Just believe in yourself and know there is light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.
Senator Tinubu noted that the formal education of the girl-child cannot be over emphasized.
“Education empowers individuals to reach their full potential. It is not merely a privilege but a fundamental human right, regardless of gender or circumstance.
“Through this facility, we are not only giving these girls and women a second chance at formal education but also equipping them with life skills to rebuild their confidence, independence and potential to contribute meaningfully to society. I like to add that investing in women and girls education, is investing in the future of our nation,” the First Lady said.
At the event, the First Lady said she is highly commited to the wellbeing and welfare of the ordinary Nigerian, which is also one of the strong qualities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his remarks, the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke commended the efforts of the First Lady especially through her Renewed Hope Initiative which he said is truly living up to its mantra “towards a better life for families”.
He said the state has benefited immensely and is still benefitting.
He thanked the First Lady for the establishment of the school and also for handing it over to the state government to run.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Said Ahmed noted that the education of the girl-child and the establishment of the Alternative High School for Girls interwoven as this will further push the nation in the direction of achieving the SDG 4.
The facility has a creche, skills acquisition center and modern classroom among others.
There was also the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme where 1000 women in the State were provided with items and N50,000 business recapitalization grants by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
She urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the seed money.
