SCI facilitates children press conference in Yobe

From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu

Save the Children International (SCI) on Friday organised and facilitated children’s press conference in Yobe.

Hajiya Murjanatu Kabir, the Advocacy Campaign and Policy Manager Be-Protected said the programme was about creating safe space for girls to highlight their concerns for themselves.

“It is a movement for girls to have a safe space, sit down together and discuss about issues that concern them as girls.

“And also to come up with a solution that they think will address those issues they have highlighted,” she said.

Kabir therefore appealed to all stakeholders to pay attention and address the concerns raised the girls speakers at the occasion.

“I am sure that the stakeholders have heard about all their presentations and we believe that state government is going to do a lot with regard to promoting the girls’ rights,” she added.

She said the Girls-Led Movement Building (GLMB) was part of the commemoration of International Day of the Girl Child 2023 celebrated across the world on October 11, with theme: ‘Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being’.

Khadija Badamasi, one of the members of GLMB, who spoke to newsmen raised concern about right to education, sexual abuse, Gender Based Violence, early marriage and children inclusion in decision making among others.

Also speaking, Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, the Commissioner for Information emphasised the commitment of Gov Mai Mala Buni’s administration to improving education sector in the state.

Bego, represented by Alhaji Ali Musa Yawale, Head of Information unit of the ministry said Buni had established eight senior girls day secondary schools to facilitate girls child education in the state among other initiatives.

“The state government of course is working with the legislature towards enacting several laws that will help the people and to address some of the challenges raised at here,” he added.