Zamfara Celebrates International Day of the Girl Child in Collaboration with UNICEF

The Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in partnership with the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF), marked the International Day of the Girl Child with a series of events aimed at empowering and uplifting young girls. This initiative is part of the global movement to recognize and address the challenges faced by girls while promoting their rights and education.

The celebration kicked off with visits to various ministries and agencies, where students were given the platform to deliver brief but impactful speeches. They addressed key figures, including the Commissioner of Education, the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, and representatives of the Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board. These engagements were designed to expose the students to leadership roles and inspire them to strive for excellence.

The program also featured visits to other prominent bodies, including the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), the Zamfara State House of Assembly, and the Office of the First Lady. These visits underscored the state’s commitment to supporting girls’ education and empowerment initiatives, aligning with national and international goals for gender equality.

In a statement issued by Ibrahim Musa Maizare, Public Relations Officer of Zamfara SUBEB, he highlighted that the students were given the symbolic opportunity to sit in executive chairs, where they were encouraged to envision themselves in leadership positions. This gesture emphasized their potential and readiness to serve their communities in the future with dedication and competence.

In further support of the initiative, the Executive Chairman of Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board, Prof. Nasir Garba Anka, Makaman Sokoto South, donated 500 school bags filled with writing materials to the students. Other donors also contributed to the cause, ensuring that the girls were equipped with the resources they need to succeed academically. These donations are aimed at reducing the barriers to education faced by many girls in the state.

During the event, key executive members present pledged their continued support for girls’ education, emphasizing the importance of discipline, focus, and dedication to their studies. They assured the girls that the state government, in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners, would continue to provide the necessary resources and infrastructure to create a conducive learning environment.

The celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child in Zamfara served as a reminder of the critical role that education plays in empowering young girls. It also highlighted the state’s commitment to ensuring that every girl has access to quality education, which is essential for building a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

By placing girls at the center of this year’s celebration, the program aimed to inspire the next generation of female leaders in Zamfara, showing them that with hard work and determination, they can overcome societal challenges and achieve their full potential.