Abuja, Nigeria — The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for strengthened collaboration with the Ministry of Education to intensify efforts toward empowering the girl child in Nigeria.
Hajiya Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized that education is a cornerstone for sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and long-term economic growth. She highlighted that investing in the education and empowerment of girls holds transformative potential for society, fostering a brighter and more equitable future.
“Women will soon dominate various sectors of the economy as we continue to prioritize education and empowerment initiatives,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim remarked, expressing optimism about the future.
During a visit to the Ministry of Women Affairs in Abuja, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, raised alarm over recent UNICEF data showing that 15 million of Nigeria’s out-of-school children are girls. She described the statistics as troubling and underscored the urgent need for targeted intervention programs.
Prof. Ahmad highlighted the Lumina Program, an initiative designed to address the issue. The program aims to initially reach 10,000 communities, equipping girls with starter packs to access education and acquire vocational skills.
“When combating poverty, empowering women should be the primary focus,” Ahmad stated. “A woman’s economic viability positively impacts her family and community. That is why reducing poverty through women’s empowerment is imperative.”
The ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to bridging the gender gap and creating opportunities for every girl in Nigeria to access quality education and empowerment programs.
By Enoch Odesola| January 23, 2025
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