From Femi Mustapha and Divine Macaulay, in Kaduna
The Accelerating Nutrition Result in Nigeria (ANRiN), a World Bank project, has said that empowering girls is not just a goal, but a necessity for a better, equal world.
This is because girls have the potential to change the world, both as the empowered girls of today and as tomorrow’s workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads and political leaders, the group said.
The Project Manager, of ANRiN Dr Zainab Kwaru said this when the organisation joined millions across the globe to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child in Kaduna today.
According to her, today’s generation of girls is disproportionately affected by global crises of climate, conflict, poverty, and pushback on hard-won gains for human rights and gender equality.
“Many girls are still denied their rights, restricting their choices and limiting their futures, yet recent analysis shows that girls are not only courageous in the face of crisis but hopeful for the future.
“Every day, they are taking action to realize a vision of a world in which all girls are protected, respected, and empowered. But girls cannot realize this vision alone. They need allies who listen to and respond to their needs,” she said.
She, however, said that with the right support, resources, and opportunities, the potential of the world’s more than 1.1 billion girls is limitless, adding that when girls lead, the impact is immediate and wide-reaching as families, communities, and economies are all stronger, creating a future brighter.
“It is time to listen to girls, to invest in proven solutions that will accelerate progress towards a future in which every girl can fulfill her potential. This will provide them the opportunity to aspire to whatever levels they desire to attain in the future.
“The ANRiN project in collaboration with other Partners, Initiated and organized the third IDGC in Kaduna State in recognition of its importance and the belief that adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated, and nutritionally healthy life, not only during these critical formative years but also as they mature into adulthood.”
Dr Zainab added that the event, in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government, hosted school girls from 12 schools across the 23 LGAs of the State on a road walk from the National Ear Care Centre to Kaduna State University (KASU,) where different speakers enlightened the girls on self-care, drug abuse, and vision building.
The ANRiN Project Manager, stressed that said the theme of this year’s International Day of the Girl theme, ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future,’ conveys both the need for urgent action and persistent hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future.
She added that the theme focuses on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their God-given unalienable Human Rights to her dream.
In her address, the Honourable Commissioner of Health, Umma K. Ahmed, commended the Partners, World Bank, Kaduna State University, SFH A360, CERSDOV, MWAN, and the Kaduna State Government for their dedication to advancing the health and well-being of girls across the State.
She opined that the event is not just a celebration but a call to action as data shows that girls, particularly in underserved communities, continue to face barriers to achieving their full potential.
The Commissioner added that challenges like malnutrition, poor access to healthcare, and limited educational opportunities demand immediate and collective action.
“Our girls represent our collective future and ensuring their health, education, and empowerment is crucial for building a prosperous and equitable society.
“Under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, Kaduna State has made significant progress in addressing these challenges.
“Through our targeted programs on nutrition, reproductive health, and education, we are empowering our girls with the resources they need to thrive.
“The ongoing collaboration with stakeholders like ANRiN is essential to sustain these efforts, and we must continue to push for policies that protect the Rights of girls,” she said.
Announcing the results of the entries for the competition, Zulaihat Muhammad Salis from GGJSS Soba came 1st, with Precious Sidi from Queen Amina College as 2nd and Khadijah Muhammad from GGJSS Ikara as 3rd place winner.
Other participating Schools in attendance at the event include Yason School, GGSS Zaria, GGJSS Zonkwa, GGSS Kawo, GSS Rigachukwu, GSS Kachia, GGSS Maraban Kubau, and GGJSS Kwoi.
