Abbas vacates seat for 16-year old as Reps marks International Day of the Girl Child

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, honoured the girl-child in plenary by vacating his seat for a 16-year-old gender advocate, Miss Isabel Anani.

The gesture was to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, titled Girls’ Vision for the Future.’

Before vacating his seat, Abbas said that the house joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child.

He said that event highlights the challenges faced by girls around the world while celebrating their resilience, potential, and crucial role in shaping a better future.

“In recognition of this special occasion, we have the privilege of welcoming girls from public secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory who are present today to observe our proceedings.

“Their presence is a reminder of the importance of investing in the education and empowerment of young girls in Nigeria.

“Furthermore, the house is proud to introduce Miss Isabel Anani, our ‘Speaker for the Day.’ Isabel is a remarkable young leader and a Girl Advocate for Gender Equality.

“She is also the youngest member of the Technical Working Group for Adolescent Health and Wellbeing in Nigeria as well as a UNICEF Young Influencer.

“Isabel was chosen for this prestigious role after emerging first among candidates across Nigeria, following an open call and a rigorous interview process.

“Throughout the day, she will shadow the Speaker during today’s plenary session and in meetings, as part of our effort to empower young leaders.

“In the spirit of this celebration, I call on all members to join me in a round of applause for Isabel and for all Nigerian girls who continue to demonstrate immense strength, ambition, and determination in overcoming barriers,” he said.

Anani was then accompanied by female students drawn from schools in the FCT to conduct the proceedings.

The Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Rep. Kafilat Ogbara (APC-Lagos State), moved a motion for the commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child.

The motion was adopted, and the house urged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), alongside other stakeholders, to collaborate with schools, community organisations, and religious institutions to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse, promote a drug-free lifestyle, and make provision for rehabilitation.

The lawmakers also urged the Federal Ministry of Education to devise practical ways, such as implementing mobile education units or community outreach programs, to educate out-of-school girls across the 36 states of the federation.

The house urged the leadership of the National Assembly to see to the amendment of the Child’s Rights Act to provide protection for sexually abused children.

They called on the assembly to provide the necessary legislative support in terms of budgetary approvals to the concerned agencies of government and see to the domestication of the Child’s Right Act throughout the nation through the conference of speakers.

The house urged the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure the swift passage of bills that seek to protect women and girls, like the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill (GEOB).

In her ruling, the ‘Shadow Speaker’ mandated the House Committees on Women Affairs and Social Development and Basic Education and Services to engage the NDLEA, the Federal Ministry of Education, and the NOA to ensure compliance.

Addressing the house, Anani said that she envisions a future where every girl, regardless of where she comes from, has an opportunity to flourish.

She said that she looks forward to a time where education is not seen as a high-pedestal privilege but as an essential tool to equip girls to make important decisions that affect them and ultimately the places they come from.

“I want a future where we do not have to combat all the overwhelming experiences of childhood and adolescence alone.

“A future where girls are not discriminated against because of their bodily functions and are encouraged when they want to take firm hold of the mantle in places like stem and politics and feel safe, feel wanted,” she said.

Anani said that she looks forward to a future where the healthcare system for girls is not discriminated against due to the socio-cultural factors that so wrongfully exist.

According to her, more than ever, we need girls to combat problems of climate change, political conflict, economic degeneration, diseases, and global unrest.

“We need to ensure that for every girl, there is access to healthcare that protects her and understands her needs; access to quality education that enables her to reach her potential; and safety from violence and harmful practices that affect her physically, emotionally, and mentally.

“How would she take charge when she lives in constant fear? How does she dream when she is worried about what her next meal might be? Most importantly, she needs support because we all have a role to play,” she said.