By Ken Afor
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has launched a campaign aimed at promoting inclusive education, skill development, and gender equity across the nation.
The initiative, titled ‘#WeAreEqual’, is spearheaded by the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).
This was disclosed on Monday in a statement issued by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.
The statement noted that the campaign has been rolled out in 15 African countries, with each nation tailoring its focus to address specific areas such as health, education, economic empowerment, and combating gender-based violence.
In Nigeria, the campaign, tagged ‘Education as a Powerful Tool for Change’, is championed by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
At the launch of the event held at the State House in Abuja on Monday, President Tinubu commended the unwavering commitment of African First Ladies, who comprise the OAFLAD membership, for their efforts in advancing gender equality and bridging the gender gap on the African continent.
The President underscored the pivotal role of education in empowering individuals, fostering economic growth, and promoting social cohesion. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to ensure that every Nigerian child, regardless of gender or background, has access to quality education and skill development opportunities.
“This campaign holds significant importance for us in Africa. I, therefore, congratulate you all, particularly my dear wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, who has chosen education as a primary tool to champion this campaign nationwide.
“The focus of the launch of this campaign in Nigeria, ‘Education as a Powerful Tool for Change’, is critical for Africa’s development, if we are to attain gender equity and ensure equal opportunities for all.
“We must continue to create opportunities for all our children to access quality education without leaving anyone behind, particularly the girl child. We must engender a society where everyone has the same opportunities, regardless of who they are, because doing that leads to a stronger and more peaceful society for all,” the President said.
Notably, the launch of the campaign in Nigeria coincides with the reintroduction of the Alternative High School for Girls, an initiative advanced by the First Lady. The program offers a second chance for young girls who have dropped out of school to continue their education, fulfill their dreams, and realize their aspirations, according to the statement.
“I am happy to note that the foundation stone of one of the schools was recently laid in Osun State, in western Nigeria, by the First Lady. More schools are underway across the country, supported by state governments, the federal government through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and other development partners.
“As Governor of Lagos State, before I became President of Nigeria from May 29, 2023, I witnessed firsthand how societal challenges, such as unwanted teenage pregnancy, domestic violence, human trafficking, and drug addiction, can obstruct the promising future of young girls.
“Indeed, the reintroduction of Alternative High School for Girls by the First Lady of Nigeria must have received inspiration from the successful implementation of a similar initiative in Lagos State during my tenure as governor,” the President said.
While highlighting the importance of education and addressing societal challenges, particularly for young girls, the President revealed that a foundation stone has been laid for a school in Osun State, Nigeria, with more schools planned across the country.
Tinubu, a former Governor of Lagos State, emphasized the impact of societal issues like teenage pregnancy, domestic violence, human trafficking, and drug addiction on the future of young girls. He commended the reintroduction of the Alternative High School for Girls initiative by the First Lady of Nigeria, drawing inspiration from a similar program implemented during his tenure as governor.
He underscored the need for collaborative efforts to ensure every Nigerian child, regardless of gender or background, has access to quality education and skill development opportunities. He stressed that it is incumbent upon all stakeholders to continue taking bold and decisive actions to eliminate the structural inequalities that hold women back on the African continent.
“We must be conscious of the fact that the empowerment of women and girls is essential to achieving each of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. We must work together to promote laws and policies that protect and promote women’s rights, invest in girls’ education and skills development, and create economic opportunities that are accessible to all,” the president added.
