By Ibrahim Kado
Adamawa Government has charged parents to educate their girl-child, saying that anyone who refused to do so would be sanctioned.
Dr Garba Pella, the state Commissioner for Education, made the call at the commemoration of 2024 International Day of a Girl-Child which had the theme “Girl’s Vision for the future”, in Yola on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony was organised by Adolescent Girl’s Initiative for learning and Empowerment, Additional Financing (AGILE -AF) a world Bank Project.
The Commissioner said that basic education in the state was not only free but compulsory, hence the need for parents to take advantage to enroll their children to access quality education.
According to him, educating a girl is educating a nation and those who refuse would be sanctioned according to the law.
He also encouraged the girl-child not to marry husbands that would not allow them further their education.
He stated that the call became necessary so as to encourage parents to complement government’s efforts at empowering the girl-child with the capacity to succeed in the future.
“We are not discouraging you from getting married, but do not marry dream killers; if anyone intimidates you, report to the relevant authority for necessary action.
“Never loss direction, you can be a good doctor, lawyer, teacher and a good mother in future,” he said.
Mrs Neido Geoffrey, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, encouraged the girl-child to learn skills to be productive in the society and be self reliant.
She advised them to always speak out for justice to take its cause against the perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence.
“You should be educated to succeed in life. The deputy governor, vice chairmen are women, just as some commissioners and members of state assembly, ” she said.
Saddiki Liman, AGILE project Coordinator said that October 11 was set aside for the commemoration internationally, to create awareness on aspiration of the girl-child, calling for action towards their success in future.
He appreciated all stakeholders for their sacrifice and support towards the success of girls in the state.
NAN reports that the students drawn from selected schools, presented papers on three topics bordering on shaping a future where every girl had access to quality education.
