Kaduna State Celebrates International Day of the Girl Child with specific call on parents and society to provide adequate Nutritional needs and education to Girls before marriage.
The state Commissioner for Health Dr. Amina Mohammed Baloni made the call while briefing newsmen moment before commencement if the event in Kaduna.
She explained that it was imperative to increase attention on issues that matter to girls and to leverage on their potential as future leaders to create opportunities for them to thrive and their voices to be heard.
Dr. Amina Baloni enumerated the challenges of girl child to include, Discrimination in access to education, food and nutrition. being used as burden bearers for household chores and farm work. Early marriage, Sexual abuse and other forms of gender-based violence.
“Each one of these challenges is a terrible menace on its own with the potential of bringing down a society in all its ramifications. These challenges occur as a result of cultural, religious, political and social belief systems in our society”
The Commissioner maintained that the International Day of the Girl-Child was in recognition of the girl-child’s rights and the unique challenges they face around the world and especially on the issues of malnutrition and its consequent health implications.
In a goodwill message, the State commissioner for Planning and Budget Commission, Hajiya Umma Yusuf Aboki, said the state government was committed to priorotizing girl child issues and commended organizers of the annual activity.
Also speaking, the Communication Officer of Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria, ANRiN Hajiya Mairo Tahir expressed satisfaction with the state government for collaborating with various stakeholders to addressing all girl child challenges.
According to her, there exists a strong partnership between the state government and some Civil society Organization such as ANRiN, Save the Children, and the World Bank towards solving Girl Child challenges.
The topic for this year international Day for the Girl Child “Time is Now, Her Future, Her Right” also featured presentations of award to winners who took part in Essay writing, Debate and quiz.
Cover/Shindong Bala