*International Day of the Girl Child: Reps Speaker Ceremonially Vacates Seat for 16-Year-Old ‘Shadow Speaker’*
– *House adopts motion urging the Federal Ministry of Education to devise practical ways to educate out-of-school girls across the federation.*
*Abuja, FCT | Thursday, October 10, 2024* – The Nigeria House of Representatives proudly joins the global community in commemorating the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to advocate for the rights of girls and address the challenges they face worldwide.
This year, the observance took on a unique tone in the House of Representatives, featuring a ceremonial plenary held in the Green Chamber.
In a bold expression of this year’s theme, *“Girls’ Vision for the Future,”* Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., honoured the girl-child by vacating his seat for a 16-year-old gender advocate, Ms. Isabel Anani, to shadow him throughout the day.
Speaking at the special session, Rt. Hon. Abbas described the gesture—an unprecedented move by any Presiding Officer in Nigeria’s National Assembly—as part of the House’s effort to empower young leaders. “I call on all Honourable 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 added.
‘Shadow Speaker’ Anani, selected from candidates across Nigeria, stated, “I envision a future where every girl, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to flourish; where education isn’t seen as a high-pedestal privilege, but as an essential tool to equip girls to make important decisions that affect them.”
During the ceremonial sitting, the House adopted a motion sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara (APC, Lagos) and seconded by Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr. (APC, Ekiti). The motion urged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and other stakeholders to collaborate on educating the public about the dangers of drug abuse and promoting a drug-free lifestyle.
The House also called on the Federal Ministry of Education to devise practical methods for educating out-of-school girls nationwide and urged the leadership of the National Assembly to amend the Child’s Rights Act to better protect sexually abused children.
As we recognize the vital contributions of girls to our society, we reaffirm our commitment—particularly through our Legislative Agenda on Inclusion (Agenda 6)—to ensuring that every girl in Nigeria has the opportunity to thrive, learn, and lead. Girls are not only the leaders of tomorrow; they are catalysts for change today. Together, we can create a brighter future for our girls and for Nigeria.
Signed:
*Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr.*
Spokesman, House of Representatives
