Politician , Entrepreneur & Woman Leader. Patience Ndidi Ofure Key Speaks Passionately on Girl Child Day,
On the Occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child
Theme: Girls' Vision for the Future
To the global community, my fellow Nigerians, and the inspiring people of Edo State,
Today, we come together to celebrate a day of immense significance—the International Day of the Girl Child. This year's theme, "Girls' Vision for the Future," is a powerful reminder of the aspirations, dreams, and transformative potential that each girl carries within her. It is a call to recognize not just the challenges girls face, but also to uplift their voices and empower their ambitions to shape a better, more equitable world.
The vision that girls have for their future is not just their dream—it is our shared commitment. It is a vision of a world where every girl has the opportunity to pursue her dreams, live free from fear and discrimination, and contribute to society on equal terms. It is a world where a girl's place is no longer defined by her gender, but by her capabilities, character, and courage
As we commemorate this day, we must recognize that the barriers standing in the way of girls’ empowerment are not just issues for girls to confront; they are societal challenges that require our urgent attention and collective action.
The reality remains that millions of girls around the world, including here in Nigeria and Edo State, face numerous challenges. They are often denied access to quality education, subjected to gender-based violence, and are more vulnerable to poverty and exploitation. These challenges are not just obstacles to their personal development; they are obstacles to the development of society as a whole.
In Nigeria, over 60% of out-of-school children are girls, and girls in rural areas are three times more likely to be out of school than boys. Early marriage and gender-based violence continue to rob many girls of their potential. In Edo State, many young girls struggle to access quality education and healthcare, limiting their opportunities and stifling their aspirations. This is not just a loss for the individual girls—it is a loss for all of us.
When we empower a girl, we empower a family, a community, and a nation. Girls' vision for the future must be a reality we actively work towards. We must invest in educational opportunities that are accessible and inclusive for all girls, ensuring they acquire the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. We must create safe environments where girls can learn, grow, and realize their dreams without fear of violence or discrimination.
Access to quality education is a fundamental right, not a privilege. It is the key that unlocks a future filled with possibilities. It is not enough to send our daughters to school; we must ensure that the education they receive is of high quality and relevant to their aspirations. We must also champion the cause of ending gender-based violence in all its forms, advocating for policies and laws that protect our girls and hold perpetrators accountable.
Let us commit to the empowerment of girls and to building an environment where their visions for the future can be fully realized. I envision a state and a nation where every girl has access to free and quality education, where human trafficking, prostitution, teenage pregnancies and early marriages are things of the past, and where young girls are supported to pursue careers in fields like technology, engineering, medicine, and leadership.
To the global community, let us continue to advocate for the rights of girls everywhere, recognizing that empowering girls is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. To my fellow Nigerians, let us renew our commitment to creating a country where every girl has the freedom to dream and the means to achieve those dreams. And to the people of Edo State, let us be the beacon of progress in our country—setting an example of what is possible when we truly invest in our girls.
The future that girls envision is a future where they are leaders in their communities, innovators in their fields, and role models for future generations. It is a future where their dreams are no longer deferred. On this International Day of the Girl Child, let us commit to working towards making that vision a reality. Let us make the promise that no girl will be left behind, and let us hold ourselves accountable to that promise.
To every girl in Nigeria, Edo State, and across the world, I say: Your dreams are valid, your voice matters, and your future is bright and attainable. You are not limited by your gender, and you are not defined by society’s expectations. You have the power to change the world, to break barriers, and to redefine what it means to be a leader.Together, we will build a world where your visions for the future become the reality of today.
Your place is not just at the table—your place is at the head of the table. It is in the boardrooms, in government houses, and in every space where decisions are made. Your future is bright, and the world needs your brilliance, your compassion, and your leadership.
Happy International Day of the Girl Child. May we continue to champion the cause of every girl, today and always.
Patience Ndidi Ofure Key!
PRP Gubernatorial Candidate at the last Edo state Governorship Election 2024
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