…as lawmakers seek enforcement of child laws, passage of gender bills, and an end to drug abuse and the plight of out-of-school children
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., made history on Thursday by vacating his seat in plenary to honour the girl-child. He handed the gavel to 16-year-old gender advocate Ms. Isabel Anani, who conducted a special session commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child.
This unprecedented move marks the first time a sitting Speaker has allowed a non-member to preside over plenary. Members resumed with a ceremonial session, and Speaker Abbas introduced Ms. Anani, who was accompanied by female students from various schools in the Federal Capital Territory. These students were brought to the ceremony by the non-governmental organization, Plan International Nigeria.
While the United Nations designates October 11 as the International Day for the Girl Child, the Speaker called for significant recognition of the girl-child during the last sitting of the week.
Before vacating his seat, Speaker Abbas stated: “Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, I am pleased to announce that today, the 10th of October, the House joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child. This day highlights the challenges faced by girls around the world while celebrating their resilience, potential, and crucial role in shaping a better future.
“In recognition of this special occasion, we welcome girls from public secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory, who are present today to observe our proceedings. Their presence reminds us of the importance of investing in the education and empowerment of young girls in Nigeria.
“Furthermore, the House is proud to introduce Ms. Isabel Anani, our ‘Speaker for the Day.’ Isabel is a remarkable young leader and a Girl Advocate for Gender Equality. She is the youngest member of the Technical Working Group for Adolescent Health and Wellbeing in Nigeria, as well as a UNICEF Young Influencer. Isabel was chosen for this prestigious role after emerging first among candidates across Nigeria following an open call and a rigorous interview process.
“Throughout the day, she will shadow me during today’s plenary session and in meetings as part of our effort to empower young leaders. In the spirit of this celebration, 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.”
As the ‘Shadow Speaker,’ Isabel presided over the presentation of a motion by the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, titled ‘Commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child.’ The motion was seconded by Hon. Akin Rotimi, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs.
Unanimously adopting the motion, the House resolved to urge the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), along with other stakeholders, to collaborate with schools, community organizations, and religious institutions to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse and promote a drug-free lifestyle, as well as to provide rehabilitation services.
The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Education to devise practical ways, such as implementing mobile education units or community outreach programs, to educate out-of-school girls across the 36 states of the federation.
Additionally, the House called on the leadership of the National Assembly to amend the Child Rights Act to provide better protection for sexually abused children and to ensure the necessary legislative support through budgetary approvals for the concerned ministries. They also urged the domestication of the Child Rights Act throughout the nation via the conference of speakers.
Furthermore, the House called for the swift passage of bills aimed at protecting women and girls, such as the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill (GEOB).
Consequently, the ‘Shadow Speaker’ mandated the House Committees on Women Affairs and Social Development and Basic Education and Services to engage the NDLEA, Federal Ministry of Education, NOA, and other stakeholders by organizing workshops, creating awareness campaigns, and monitoring progress to ensure compliance.
Addressing the House, Ms. Anani, winner of the Girl Takeover Initiative who has just gained university admission to study engineering, stated: “For me, I envision a future where every girl, regardless of where she comes from, 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 and their communities.
“I want a future where we don’t have to combat overwhelming experiences of childhood and adolescence alone; where girls aren’t discriminated against because of their bodily functions and are encouraged when they want to take charge in areas like STEM and politics, feeling safe and wanted.
“As an aspiring woman in STEM, I know what it is like to be the only girl in male-dominated spaces. However, I don’t want to be the only girl. I want to be one of many. I envision a future where the healthcare system for girls isn’t compromised due to socio-cultural factors that wrongfully exist.
“Now more than ever, we need girls to combat issues like climate change, political conflict, economic decline, diseases, and global unrest. We must ensure that every girl has access to healthcare that meets her needs; access to quality education that enables her to reach her potential; and safety from violence and harmful practices that affect her physically, emotionally, and mentally.
“How can she take charge when she lives in constant fear? How can she dream when she worries about her next meal? Most importantly, she needs support because we all have a role to play.”
According to the UN, the theme for the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child is “Girls’ Vision for the Future.” The global body states on its website, “This year’s theme conveys both the need for urgent action and persistent hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future.”
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
