First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has congratulated all Nigerian Children acknowledging that they are the heartbeat of the Nation.
She was speaking at the Launch of the special Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning & Development, AGILE Additional Financing to States and AGILE Games Award Ceremony held at the State House Abuja to coincide with the commemoration of Children’s Day.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu pointed out that the strength of the World Bank financed project, aimed at eradicating out of school children and keeping the girl child in school among others in the education sector, reaffirms the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to education as a pillar of development.
“Every child represented here today has demonstrated what is possible when opportunity meets support”.
“You all have shown us that the good seeds planted are already bearing fruit”.
First Lady of Nigeria also encouraged the children present to seize any opportunity provided them to make their mark.
“I seize this opportunity to say to every child here: whether or not you receive an award today, you are all champions”.
“To our Governors, traditional rulers and religious leaders, I thank you all. Your leadership is crucial in mobilizing communities, encouraging school enrolment and championing girls’ education. Let us continue to stand united in this shared vision”.
She highlighted some of the upcoming programmes of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI.
“I want to use this opportunity to introduce our students to two programmes that the Renewed Hope Initiative will be launching soon. First is the Environment Club for Secondary School Students and the Environment Society for Students in Tertiary institutions nationwide to help us clean up our environment and grow more trees.
Second is the “Flow with Confidence” for our girls in rural communities. This programme is to provide one year’s supply of disposable sanitary pads to our adolescent girls to support them to remain in school during their menstrual cycle”.
“To our dear students, please go to school and complete your education. Staying in school and excelling in your studies will give you the knowledge and skills you need for a good future. Never stop believing in what you can achieve”.
In his address, the Minister for Education Dr Tunji Alausa described the initiative as a milestone that takes national commitment to education further and deeper.
“It is our view in the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration that Education is not just a human right. It is a national security imperative. This is why every textbook is a brick in the foundation of peace and prosperity. Every school meal is an act of social justice. And every trained teacher is a guardian of our collective future”.
The Country Director of the World Bank Mr Taimur Samad informed the gathering that AGILE is the 2nd largest project sponsored by the organisation.
“With two thirds of girls who start schooling dropping out before they finish in Nigeria, AGILE is working on changing this narrative. We hope to support 50m students”.
The Governor of Borno State and Taraba State pledged the commitment of other state governors to ensuring that education of the girl child is given due attention and priority.
Awards were presented to winners of the AGILE Games in various categories.
The highlight was the presentation of a painting by a special needs child, Awelewa to the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
