President Bola Tinubu has launched a campaign to promote inclusive education, skill development and gender equity.
The campaign is called ‘We Are Equal’ and it is an initiative of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).
It has been launched in 15 African countries with different iterations, focusing on health, education, economic empowerment, and gender-based violence.
The Nigerian component of the program is called ‘Education as a Powerful Tool for Change’ and it is supported by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the launch of the campaign that took place at the state House Abuja, President Tinubu applauded the commitment of African First Ladies, as members of OAFLAD, to advance gender equality and narrow the gender gap across the continent.
President Tinubu emphasized that education is the cornerstone of national development, and when girls are empowered to pursue their dreams, communities thrive, economies prosper, and nations succeed.
The campaign focuses on education as a primary tool to champion this campaign nationwide.
The President noted that the launch of the campaign in Nigeria coincides with the re-introduction of the Alternative High School for Girls advanced by the First Lady, which offers a second chance to young girls who have dropped out of school to continue their education and fulfil their dreams and aspirations.
The initiative has received inspiration from the successful implementation of a similar initiative in Lagos State during the President’s tenure as governor.
The President also emphasized the need for all stakeholders to take bold and decisive actions to eliminate the structural inequalities that hold women back on the continent.
He said that the empowerment of women and girls is essential to achieving each of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and promote laws and policies that protect women’s rights, invest in girls’ education and skills development, and create economic opportunities that are accessible to all.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian child is excluded from quality education that prepares women and girls to lead and bring positive change to communities.
The President however concluded by launching the ‘We Are Equal’ Campaign in Nigeria and wished the attendees a fruitful deliberation, enabling them to enjoy their stay in the country.
Bello Wakili
