President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to ensuring universal access to education for all children. This commitment was expressed during the launch of the “WeAreEqual” campaign by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) Nigeria, with the theme “Education as a Powerful Tool for Change: No Girl Left Behind,” hosted by Oluremi Tinubu.
In his address to a distinguished audience consisting of First Ladies from various African nations, government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps, President Tinubu emphasized the pivotal role of education in promoting gender equality and providing equal opportunities for all. He encouraged the African First Ladies to reach out to him with any requests that could facilitate broader access to education, stating, “I am prepared and willing to contribute in any way necessary.”
President Tinubu commended the African First Ladies for their efforts in advancing gender equality and applauded the initiatives implemented in different African countries to empower women and girls.
“I commend the dedication and commitment of the African First Ladies, as members of OAFLAD, in promoting gender equality and reducing the gender disparities in opportunities and appointments across the African continent. This campaign, led by your Excellencies, holds significant importance for us in Africa, and I extend my congratulations to you all. I especially applaud my esteemed wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, for choosing education as a key tool to champion this campaign nationwide.
“I recall that this initiative began in Lagos and has since been successfully launched in 15 other African countries, focusing on health, education, economic empowerment, and gender-based violence. I am pleased to learn about the various initiatives undertaken in your respective nations, and I celebrate all of your efforts.”
President Tinubu stressed the necessity of providing inclusive educational opportunities for all children, with a particular emphasis on supporting the girl child. He commended the reintroduction of an alternative high school for girls in Nigeria by the First Lady, a program aimed at giving young girls a second chance to pursue education and contribute significantly to national development.
Tinubu highlighted the transformative power of education, describing it as a fundamental element for national advancement and prosperity. He called for collaborative endeavors to eradicate structural inequalities that impede the progress of women and emphasized the importance of policies that uphold women’s rights, education, and economic empowerment.
“It is worth noting that the launch of this commendable campaign in Nigeria coincided with the reintroduction of the alternative high school for girls by the First Lady. This initiative provides a second opportunity for young girls who have discontinued their education to further their studies and realize their aspirations, becoming valuable contributors to our nation’s development.
“I am pleased to announce that the foundation stone for one of these schools was recently laid in Osun State, western Nigeria, by the First Lady. Additional schools are in progress across the country, with support from state governments, the Federal Government through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and other development partners.
During her remarks, Nigeria’s First Lady explained that the #WeAreEqual campaign is a year-long, continent-wide initiative spearheaded by OAFLAD. She emphasized that the campaign, which she regards as significant, unites African First Ladies, partners, and allies in their joint efforts to promote gender equity and bridge the gender gap throughout the continent.
Mrs. Tinubu stated that the campaign focuses on four main pillars: health, gender-based violence, education, and economic empowerment, to mobilize stakeholders and advocate for action on these critical issues.
“To promote the “#WeAreEqual” campaign in Nigeria, I have chosen to leverage education as a tool, while also addressing the other pillars of the campaign, many of which are also being championed under the umbrella of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), spearheaded by my office to complement the efforts of President.”
