By Olukayode Idowu
The British High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery, together with UNICEF in partnership with the Federal Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Development, and Youth and Sports Development have held a reception to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Together with theme: Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Wellbeing.
According to a statement by the Press and Public Affairs Office of the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office of the British High Commission, every year on October 11, the world unites to celebrate the resilience, strength, and potential of girls, highlighting the distinct challenges they face worldwide.
The statement added that the event championed and called for continued efforts to support an estimated 26 million adolescent girls (ages 10-19). This includes ensuring Nigeria remains on course for the 2030 SDGs; spotlighting those marginalized due to disability, poverty, or other crises; and those who are pregnant, parenting, or married.
Invited guests included Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrazaq; First Lady of Kwara State and Chair, Nigerian Governors Wives’ Forum; representatives of Federal Ministry of Women Affairs; Federal Ministry of Youth and participating schools within FCT.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria Ms. Cristian Munduate said: “The potential of our girls is limitless, but we must first provide them with the platforms to express, learn, and thrive. Our commitment to this cause is unwavering and paramount for the nation’s progress.”* She further added, *”In a rapidly evolving world, the dreams and aspirations of our adolescent girls are the beacons that can guide our efforts towards a more inclusive, equitable future.” Speaking at the reception, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery said: “I am delighted to be marking the International Day of the Girl Child, so soon after the launch of the UK’s International Women and Girls Strategy. This strategy commits the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to including a focus on gender equality in more than 80% of our bilateral aid programmes by 2030. We continue to work closely together with the Nigerian Government to protect human rights, with a special focus on the rights of the wonderful women and girls of Nigeria.”
