The Federal Government has signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Plan International to promote education, gender equality, and protection of the rights of the girl child in the country.
Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, during the agreement signing ceremony in his office in Abuja, noted various forms of abuse and challenges faced by girls in Nigeria.
He, therefore, stated that the MoU signed would see the Ministry Plan International working together on specific initiatives that promote quality education, healthcare, economic opportunities, empowerment and leadership development for youth in general and young women in particular
Olawande recalled that when he visited the office of Plan International with his team a couple of months ago, it was certain they both shared similar objectives and visions for the growth and development of Nigerian Youth.
He explained that the collaboration with Plan International would focus on promoting gender equality, protecting the girl child, and also promoting the development, well-being, and health of the youth, considering the limitations they face.
He said, “As we sign the agreement to work together more collaboratively starting today, our primary mission remains the same: to empower the Nigerian youth to become self-reliant, socially responsible, and active contributors to the development of our country.”
“We will work with Plan International to enhance the protection and promotion of girls rights. Coincidentally, tomorrow is the International Day of the Girl Child, and to celebrate the occasion, I will be vacating my seat for the winner of this year’s IDG Essay Competition to serve as a Minister for the day.”
He further stated that the synergy signifies his commitment and that of the Ministry to support the development of leadership capacity for the girl child and to create opportunities for them to participate in the decision-making process.
The Minister mentioned that the signed MoU with Plan International will focus on the following key areas, namely: youth empowerment and leadership development; education and skill development; health and well-being, including sexual and reproductive health; protection from violence, exploitation, and abuse; and promoting gender equality and inclusion.
Earlier, the Country Director, Plan International, Mr. Charles Usie, stated that the platform is one of the global organisations set up 85 years ago to seek the rights of girls and equality for young people across 75 countries.
He further emphasised that the signing of the MoU should not be viewed as a mere formality but rather as a sincere commitment to the government. He stressed that the MoU signifies a significant opportunity that should not be taken for granted, adding that it will unlock various resources and opportunities for the organisation.
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