By Chris Nyamtu
Stakeholders in Nasarawa State have called on governments at all levels to establish sustainable frameworks that will provide the girl child and young people with adequate opportunities to develop their potential and achieve economic empowerment.
They made the call in Lafia, the state capital, during an event to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
The event was organised by the Nasarawa State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) to strengthen advocacy and raise awareness about the need to create a conducive environment where the girl child and young people can thrive.
Participants included heads of schools and educational agencies, traditional and religious leaders, as well as representatives of community-based organisations.
In goodwill messages, representatives of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Mallam Aliyu Suleiman, and the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Umbugus Austin, observed that the future of the girl child, particularly in northern Nigeria, had long been undermined by factors including poverty and certain religious and traditional practices.
They called for collective action to end early marriage and ensure that girls have the opportunity to pursue their education and acquire relevant skills for self-reliance.
Speaking on the progress made in improving girls’ access to education and other opportunities in recent years, the State Project Coordinator of AGILE, Hajiya Aisha Isoga, stressed the need for sustained advocacy and increased investment in programmes that equip young people with relevant knowledge and practical skills.
She noted that providing young people with the necessary skills and educational opportunities was essential to securing their future and promoting economic empowerment.
The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Education, Dr John Mamman, represented by the Director of Schools, Mr Christopher Ogiri, urged stakeholders to embrace the theme of the celebration and intensify efforts to discourage early marriage.
He said empowering girls through education and skills acquisition would enhance their economic independence and contribute to stability in the home.
Dr Mamman assured that the Nasarawa State Government would continue to prioritise policies and programmes aimed at creating opportunities for young people to develop their potential and contribute meaningfully to society. (Radio Nigeria)