Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has issued a strong call for national action to address the educational and social challenges facing Nigerian girls, marking the International Day of the Girl Child with a message urging systemic reform and investment in female empowerment.
In a statement released Saturday, Obi highlighted the alarming statistic that over 29 million children remain out of school in Nigeria, with girls making up the majority. He described the situation as a “grim reality” that threatens the country’s future.
“A society that neglects its girls undermines its own progress and weakens the foundations of its future,” Obi said.
He emphasized that empowering girls through education and protection from abuse is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in national development. “An educated girl becomes a pillar of stability in her family, a force for development in her community, and a beacon of hope for the nation,” he added.
Obi called for deliberate policy measures to ensure girls have access to education, healthcare, and safety. He urged stakeholders across government, civil society, and the private sector to recommit to building a Nigeria where every girl can “dream freely, learn confidently, and contribute meaningfully to our shared destiny.”
The International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11, aims to raise awareness of the challenges girls face globally and promote their rights and opportunities.
Obi’s remarks come amid growing concern over Nigeria’s education crisis and gender disparities, with advocates warning that failure to act could have long-term consequences for economic growth and social stability.
