Tinubu: Our Govt’ll End Gender-based Violence, Promote Girls’ Education

•Remi Tinubu Launches ‘#WeAreEqual  campaign’

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Segun James in Lagos

President Bola Tinubu yesterday, vowed to work towards ending gender-based violence and increasing learning opportunities for Nigerian girls in safe and conducive environments.

Speaking at the launch of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) #WeAreEqual Campaign in Nigeria, the President stressed the importance of education in empowering girls and promoting gender equality.

Tinubu, who lauded the initiative of the OAFLAD for the campaign launch, noted that it had been successfully launched in 15 other African countries, adding that its launch focus on Nigeria titled “Education as a Powerful Tool for Change,” was critical for Africa’s development.

He said: “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 hailed the African First Ladies for their commitment to advancing gender equality and narrowing the gender gap in opportunities and appointments across Africa.

His words: “I salute the commitment and dedication of the African First Ladies, as members of OAFLAD, to advance gender equality and narrow the gender gap in opportunities and appointments across the African continent.”

Tinubu also praised his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her efforts in championing education as a primary tool to advance gender equality.

“I particularly congratulate my dear wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, who has chosen education as a primary tool to champion this campaign nationwide,” he added.

He noted that the launch of the #WeAreEqual Campaign in Nigeria, with a focus on, “Education as a Powerful Tool for Change,” was critical for Africa’s development.

“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,” the President said.

He also highlighted the importance of laws and policies that protect and promote women’s rights, invest in girls’ education and skills development, and create economic opportunities accessible to all.

“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,” he said.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian child was excluded from quality education that prepares women and girls to lead and bring positive changes to their communities.

His words: “I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian child is excluded from quality education that prepares women and girls to lead and bring positive changes to our communities.”

He urged all stakeholders to carry forward the campaign to empower girls and promote gender equality, saying, “let us carry forward this campaign, which promises to gift an educated girl-child the potential to bring the necessary change and transform African communities for the better.”

Meanwhile, Oluremi Tinubu, joined the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development to re-emphasise the need for collective action towards gender equity and inclusion by closing the gap through the #WeAreEqual campaign.

Oluremi Tinubu in her address at the Launch of #WeAreEqual campaign by OAFLAD, said: “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 this pillar 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.”

The First Lady informed the gathering of over eight 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.

Mrs. 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 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, 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 realised. 

“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 government was 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.