The President of the Malala Foundation, Mr. Ziouddin Yousafzai, has reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to promoting girl-child education across Nigeria.
He made the remark during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, at his palace in Zaria.
Mr. Yousafzai expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation, describing the Zazzau Emirate as a vital partner in advancing the Foundation’s mission.
He pledged to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions to enhance access to education and empower girls to achieve their full potential.
In his remarks, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, commended the Malala Foundation for its continuous support towards improving girls’ education, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
The Emir noted that education remains the most powerful tool for combating poverty and ignorance, urging parents to give priority to the education of their daughters.
He further explained that the Zazzau Emirate has always supported initiatives that promote female education, citing the Centre for Girls Education in Zaria as a shining example of how education transforms lives.
Also speaking, the Director of the Centre for Girls Education, Hajiya Habiba Muhammad, highlighted the achievements recorded through partnership with the Malala Foundation, including scholarships, mentorship programmes, and community sensitization efforts.
One of the beneficiaries of the Centre and a Malala Fellow, Amina Yusuf, shared her inspiring story, explaining that she almost dropped out of school due to challenges, but through the Centre’s support, she was able to complete her education and pursue her dreams.
Amina, who now serves as a Malala Fellow, commended the Centre for transforming her life and career through its mentorship and empowerment programmes.
“I was able to complete my education because of the support I received from the Centre for Girls Education. Today, I am proud to be working with the Malala Fund to help other girls access the same opportunity,” she said.
She called on parents and communities to continue supporting girls’ education, describing it as the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and ignorance.
The visit ended with a group photograph and the presentation of souvenirs, symbolising a sustained partnership towards promoting education and gender equality in the Zazzau Emirate and beyond.
COV/Ibrahim Suleiman
