Esteemed Hub Foundation (EHF) has stressed the need for governments at all levels to advance the rights, opportunities and wellbeing of the girl child, by investing in girls’ education, promoting gender equality and fostering a supportive environment.

The Executive Director, Duoosugh Agbadu, made the plea during an awareness campaign to Mariam Babangida Girls Science College Minna, as part of activities to mark the 2023 International Day of Girl Child (IDGC), with the theme, ‘Investing in girls’ right: Our leadership, our well being’.

She noted that the campaign was aimed at creating awareness on the importance of the day, especially for the girls, on the need for them to always remove from themselves anything that would cause low self-esteem.

Agbadu, represented by the Administrative Officer of EHF, Dominic Eigbegbea, stated that the girls were reminded to always be bold, take charge and ensure that nobody marginalised them.

“Our message to the girls in the street, who do not have parents to send them to school, is not give up, continue hard work, shun laziness and believe that as long as there is life, one day, somebody will send them to school to get the basic education that would enable them express themselves in the society,” she said.

The ED had earlier unveiled the Africa Activists for Climate Justice club in the school.

She added: “We will run the club for three months, from October to December. Every week, our team will come round to educate the girls on the importance of tree planting, preservation of the environment, global warming as well as climate justice.”

The foundation is in partnership with Education as a Vaccine (EVA), with support from African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET).

Earlier, Vice-Principal (Administration) of the school, Steven Tajero, described the campaign by EHF as an added advantage to the girls in the learning process.

Tajero explained that the foundation impressed the school management and the students, pointing out that the awareness also impacted the students’ lives positively.

“We are excited because our students have learnt new things and it will reflect in their academic performance,” Steven added.

Highlight of the campaign was the distribution of learning materials to students.