Shettima affirms FG’s commitment to girl-child education, gender empowerment
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed the Federal Government’s dedication towards promoting girl-child education and gender empowerment.
He said this during a meeting with a United Nations (UN) delegation at the Aso Villa on Wednesday.
The delegation, led by Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General and Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group, included renowned Nobel laureate and UN Messenger of Peace, Malala Yousafzai.
Vice President Shettima said that President Bola Tinubu shares a deep commitment to addressing issues concerning the girl child. He further asserted that the federal government is dedicated to incorporating gender-friendly education policies and programs as part of its agenda.
During the meeting, discussions centered around the importance of fostering an inclusive educational environment that ensures equal opportunities for girls.
The vice president acknowledged the critical role education plays in empowering girls and women, promoting their rights, and advancing their socio-economic status.
The UN delegation commended the federal government’s commitment to girl-child education and gender empowerment, acknowledging the significance of such efforts in achieving sustainable development goals.
They highlighted the importance of collaborative initiatives between the government, international organizations, and civil society to create an enabling environment for girls to thrive.
Shettima expressed gratitude for the UN’s continued support in driving positive change in Nigeria.
He added that the government’s determination to work closely with the international community and stakeholders to promote gender equality, eradicate gender-based discrimination, and enhance educational opportunities for girls across the country.
He said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully and unequivocally committed to the girl-child education and gender empowerment initiatives.
“The SDGs goals four and five will be vigorously pursued by the present administration.
“President Tinubu is a passionate and committed advocate of girl-child education. He believes in the empowerment of our women.
“He believes that the prosperity, the respect of every society is directly proportional to the way they treat their women folk.”
The vice president commended the UNDSG for their efforts in promoting girl-child education, adding that Mohammed stands as a symbol of hope for the African woman for her resilience, commitment and disposition and most importantly, her integrity.
“She is an oasis of hope in an unending ocean of poverty and depravity, while Malala is an icon of hope and change in a despairing world,” he added.
In separate remarks, Mohammed and Malala commended the Nigerian government for its efforts in observing progress in the areas of gender equity and education of girls across the country.
