First Lady adopts education to champion #WeAreEqual campaign in Nigeria

First Lady
May 13, 2024

The First Lady Oluremi Tinubu said she has chosen concern for education as the focus of the #WeAreEqual Campaign of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) in Nigeria.

First Lady Tinubu disclosed this on Monday in her address at the Launch of the OAFLAD’s #WeAreEqual Campaign in Nigeria, held at the State House in Abuja.

According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady was joined by other members of the OAFLAD to re-emphasise the need for collective action towards gender equity and closing the gap through the #WeAreEqual Campaign.

Tinubu, however, noted that making education the focus of the campaign, which is also tagged ‘Education as a Powerful Tool for Change: No Girl Left Behind’, in the country does not mean that the other three pillars, including Health, Gender-Based Violence and Economic Empowerment would, be neglected.

“The theme for #WeAreEqual Campaign in Nigeria is ‘Education as a Powerful Tool for Change: No Girl Left Behind’. The Campaign is focused on four main pillars, namely: Health, Gender-Based Violence, Education and Economic Empowerment.

“To rally stakeholders and call for action around each of these key issues, to promote the ‘#WeAreEqual’ Campaign in Nigeria, I have decided to use education as a tool, whilst also not neglecting other pillars of the Campaign.

“Many of these pillars are also being championed under the scope of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) which is led by my Office to complement the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, she said.

She informed the gathering of over 8 African First Ladies that as part of activities leading to the launch of the campaign, she was at Osogbo, Osun State on April 23 for the Sod-Turning Ceremony for the construction of a new Alternative High School for Girls.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu added that the Alternative High School for Girls would soon be established in other parts of the country to enable girls who dropped out of school the opportunity to acquire a complete secondary school education.

“My motivation for the establishment of this school as an educationist is the desire to see young girls and women who dropped out of school due to several challenges have another opportunity to complete high school and acquire higher education to enable them reach their full potential in life.

“I must also say that Mr President values education and has introduced the National Student Loan Scheme which is now in effect for our youth to have unhindered access to education, knowing that education is the bedrock of national development and the cornerstone upon which dreams are built, skills acquired and aspirations generally realized. 

“I believe that every State in Nigeria, and indeed Africa should have schools where socio-economically disadvantaged girls and women can access education without fear or discrimination.’’

She said that the government is striving to get to the peak of the situation “gradually, I believe we can achieve this goal with the support of critical stakeholders in the education sector particularly, the Federal and State Ministries of Education.

“The prototype of these schools is equipped with crèche facilities, ICT centres, vocational centres and qualified academic and non-academic staff members. Such schools, when built by the Federal Government are transferred to the State Government for day-to-day running and maintenance. 

“I say to the young women and girls, who will attend this school, remember the words of Eleanor Roosevelt: ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams’.

Read Also: I have faith in Nigerian project–Ex-Imo First Lady

“I encourage you to believe in your dreams and seize this opportunity. Be bold, challenge limits, and recognise your potential. This school is your starting point, but where you go from here is entirely in your hands”, Mrs Tinubu said.

The Minister for Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, who was the guest speaker acknowledged that many Nigerian children are out of school adding that the present administration is working to ensure that complete education for all is achievable.

He assured that with the efforts and renewed commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is on a progressive streak in education.

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