The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has described the International Day of the Girl, 2017, as an opportunity to re-evaluate, highlight and scrutinize the unique challenges that girls across Nigeria face.
Saraki made this remark in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja.
Saraki said: “Today, all around the world, organisations and communities are coming together to celebrate the role of girls and women in our societies as we commemorate the 2017 International Day of the Girl.
“In order for our collective objective of having a Nigeria with empowered citizens — both men and women — to be realized, we must all come together at all levels of governance to ensure that girls and women across the country have increased access to quality education, affordable healthcare, and safe homes and communities.
“The 8th Senate is taking steps to alleviate the prevalent problems in this regard. We have passed the UBEC Act amendment bill which will increase access to education for more young girls across Nigeria.
“In this regard, we join the world today in committing to redouble our efforts to improve the quality of life for our girls.
“We also hope to continue to provide a stable socio-economic environment that will help them further their aspirations and dreams.”
