Rasheeda Yahaya
By Abubakar Rabilu Gombe
The Gombe State Government has reiterated its commitment to promoting girl-child education as part of efforts to eliminate gender barriers and ensure inclusive learning opportunities for all children.
This was highlighted during an event organised by the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, in collaboration with Access Initiative Africa and Nudge Initiative, to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child in Gombe. The event was themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Front Line of Crisis.”
Speaking at the celebration, the wife of the state governor, Dr Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya, commended the administration for prioritising education, especially for girls, which she said has significantly improved school enrolment across the state.
She praised Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s dedication to ensuring that no girl is denied access to education due to social or economic challenges.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr Aishatu Umar Maigari, identified poverty and discrimination as major obstacles hindering girls’ access to quality education.
She, however, assured that the ministry is implementing policies aimed at addressing these challenges and creating equal learning opportunities for all children.
Dr Maigari also applauded the governor for his continued support of the AGILE Project and for providing an enabling environment for girls to pursue education without hindrance.
In her remarks, the AGILE Project Coordinator, Dr Amina Haruna Abdul, said the event sought to celebrate the resilience, courage, and leadership of girls who continue to thrive despite the challenges of poverty, conflict, and gender-based violence.
She expressed appreciation to the First Lady and the Ministry of Education for their unwavering support in advancing girls’ empowerment initiatives across the state.
The Clerk of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Barr Rukayyatu Jalo, urged girls to remain committed to their studies, describing education as the strongest weapon for empowerment and national development.
Some participating schoolgirls expressed joy and gratitude to AGILE and its partners for providing a platform to celebrate girls and amplify their voices.
The event featured a variety of activities, including debates, poetry recitations, drama, and art exhibitions, showcasing the creativity and talent of students from different schools across the state.
