Tunji Wusu –
The governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, has stated that his administration had enrolled thousands of out-of-school females as part of a continuous goal to accept 500,000 girls into public elementary schools throughout the state.
This was said by Zulum on Tuesday in Maiduguri when he welcomed Malala Yousafzai, a campaigner for girls’ education and UN peace ambassador, and Amina Mohammed, the deputy secretary general of the UN.
Malala Yousafzai visited Nigeria to mark the tenth anniversary of her debut speech at the UN General Assembly and to observe Malala Day.
In honor of Malala Yousafzai, the UN observes Malala Day on July 12. Her birthday coincides with the day, which seems appropriate to honor her exceptional life dedicated for the rights of women and children.
In a speech in honor of Malala, Governor Zulum emphasized the need of education for girls as a long-term solution to social and economic issues. In Borno, he claimed, there are far more girls who are not enrolled in school than there are boys, which is why the state administration is so desperate to get girls enrolled in classes.
Amina Mohammed, the UN’s deputy secretary general, said earlier: “We are here (Maiduguri), Your Excellency, because this is the place where Malala started her efforts in Nigeria to call for girls’ education, the safety of their education and their right to it, the progress in their future so that they also join the people of their community, their state, and Nigeria to be part of their economy.”
Malala expressed hope for the future of girls’ education in her own remarks. They (girls) are so tenacious, devoted, and hopeful about a better future, she remarked. Tomorrow (Wednesday), I will celebrate my 26th birthday and ten years since I gave my UN speech.
She continued, “Since I gave my UN speech, I have been traveling to many nations because I want to share the experiences of other females. We want to encourage everyone to consider the millions of other girls who do not have access to education after people heard my story and realized how important it is for one girl to receive an education.
Commenting on the funding for education, Malala stated, “We need all leaders to invest in the education of the next generation. We need to make sure we are investing in creative and technological means to increase access to education. Building a great nation and a strong globe with a robust economy, peace, and stability starts with education.
Along with Malala’s father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, and a few UN representatives, the DSG was in Maiduguri. Mr. Matthias Schmale, Nigeria’s resident coordinator for the UN, was also there.
During the meeting with the governor, Dr. Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum, the governor of Borno State’s wife, who met the delegation at the Maiduguri International Airport, was also present.
