The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD has said as the world marks the International Day of the Girl Child today, all stakeholders have a role to play in their education, growth and welfare.
This year’s edition is themed: ‘Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being.’
While noting that the responsibility starts with the parents, especially with the moral upbringing of the girl child, Speaker Abbas added that society must collectively ensure their safety and education.
The Speaker specifically stated that the educational, religious and traditional institutions, as well as the government, have their complementary roles in the protection, nurturing and mental development of the girl child, and all children alike.
Speaker Abbas also decried the high rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria, just as he condemned the growing spate of child labour and sexual assault on children.
The Speaker said it would be to the benefit of the nation for the governments at all levels to make education, especially at the elementary level free and compulsory for children.
The Speaker restated the readiness of the 10th House to give legislative backing to any programme or policy designed towards the wellbeing of not just the girl child but all children across the country.
On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognise girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.
According to the UN, the International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.