United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Nigeria Resident Representative, Dr Gifty Addico, has applauded the Bauchi Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, for his investment and commitment to the development of adolescent girls in the state development plans and for providing an enabling environment for the development programme.
Gifty Addico also reiterated UNFPA’s commitment to the partnership with Bauchi State Government; the First Lady of Bauchi state for her tireless efforts in addressing the plight of Women and Girls in the state; the Commissioner for Education for her relentless efforts in ensuring girls are enrolled, retained and transit to achieving their educational aspirations and Ikra Foundation for Women and Youths Development, for the innovations in addressing the needs of adolescents girls.
These were contained in an address by Deborah Tabara, Gender/ Reproductive Health Analyst, UNFPA Nigeria, delivered at the Commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child on the 10th of October 2024 in Bauchi State.
Deborah Tabara added that, “I am deeply honoured to stand before you today to address you at this event as part of our collective efforts to herald the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child 2024 on the crucial theme of “Girls Vision for the future”.
She stated that the UNFPA Country Representative in Nigeria is committed to ensuring every young girl achieves her potential in life through UNFPA interventions in Bauchi.
She added, “To the school girls represented in this hall today – this theme calls for reflections on the support every girl child needs to achieve her full potential in life – remain committed in your academic pursuit and development of your skills, keep your vision for the future alive and you will achieve your full potential.”
Also speaking, the Head of Program/Operations, Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development (IFWYD), Huzaifa Abubakar, stated, “On this significant occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child, we come together to celebrate the strength, resilience, and potential of young girls around the world.”
He added that “We are reminded of the incredible potential that lies within every girl, waiting to be embraced and cultivated. On behalf of Mrs Amina Garba Ahmed, the Executive Director of Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development, heartfelt welcome to all of you. Your presence and the support, especially of our esteemed First Lady, underscores our collective dedication to empowering girls in our state, Bauchi state.”
“Today, we acknowledge the unique challenges that girls face and reinforce our dedication to fostering an environment where they can thrive, dream, and achieve their fullest potential. Let us come together to inspire hope, ignite ambition, and reaffirm every girl’s right to education, health, and opportunity. Together, we can forge a world where every girl has the chance to pursue her dreams and aspirations without hesitation.
“As we commemorate this day, let us reaffirm our pledge to stand for equality, promote inclusivity, and champion the rights of every girl child. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future,” he added.
“I want to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to our implementing partners: the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Ministry of Education, and the Bauchi State Budget Planning Department. Your unwavering commitment, collaboration, and hard work have made our initiatives not only feasible but impactful. Thank you for your invaluable contributions and for standing alongside us in this vital mission to uplift young girls.
“Once again, thank you for being a part of this significant celebration. Together, we have the power to be the change-makers for the next generation of girls who will lead our world into its future. Thank you for your continued support and for joining us in this vital cause,” Huzaifa Abubakar concluded.
