Mis Shamiga who is an SSS3 student of Christ Anglican Secondary School, Makurdi, presided over the event to mark this year’s celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, which was organized by the Benue State Government.
The Acting Governor in her address, disclosed that the Governor’s decision to allow her to govern Benue State for several hours, was borne out of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration’s vision to institute gender balance and encourage children, particularly the girl child to proof they equally have the capacity to initiate and influence decisions in governance.
The Girl Champion told the gathering that the administration in the state was working with the International Partners to the ideal practices for well-being of children in Benue State, particularly the girls.
The Acting Governor, stated that Children are the pride of every nation, noting however that they are always placed at the most vulnerable position in times of family crises, war among others.
Mis Shamiga who lamented the upsurge in the number of out of school children, many of whom are currently in the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs camps, however expressed joy over measures that the administration has taken to address early child’s marriages and other abuses.
Mis Shamiga noted that, it was the responsibility of people of the state to support the girl child to be self reliant and contribute meaningfully to the development of Benue State.
Also speaking, wife of the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Mrs Charity Ode, enjoined the girl child not to be discouraged by the economic downtown and security challenges bedeviling the state, but they should believe God who has the ability to make things work for them. Mrs Ode urged parents to lead their children in the way of God.
