By Victoria Okpanachi
As Kogi State joins the global community to mark the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child observed every October 11th, the First Lady, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has called on stakeholders across Nigeria to unite in supporting girls to succeed in their chosen careers.
In her message to commemorate the Day, the First Lady, while reflecting on this year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” reiterated the need to empower the girl child to reach her full potential.
This, she said, would help to address the myriads of challenges impacting their growth and equally sustain the hope for a brighter future for the average girl child in Nigeria.
According to Mrs Ododo, the girl child has consistently shown courage and determination in her quest to make life better for their families and the society as a whole.
The First Lady pointed out that since inception of the Ododo-led administration in Kogi State, she had championed various initiatives including Empowerment of Girls in ICT and vocational education, which has provided girls with skills and resources to thrive in technology as well as supporting young girls’ participation in agriculture for economic growth.
She also highlighted the impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI of the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which has empowered more young girls and women in the country and restored their hope for a better future.
The First Lady therefore felicitated with the girl child and pledged her continuous support and commitment to addressing issues hindering the progress of the girl child in Kogi State.