By Chizoba Okeke
As the world marks the International Day of the Girl Child, the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, has called for concerted efforts from government and society to create an environment where every girl can thrive, reach her full potential, and live a fulfilled life.
In a statement to commemorate the day, Speaker Udeze emphasized the need for governments at all levels to develop and implement targeted policies and programmes that promote the welfare and advancement of the girl child. He urged relevant agencies to abolish harmful practices such as physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as early and forced marriages, describing them as major threats to the future of young girls.
While commending the wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo, for her sustained advocacy and initiatives geared towards improving the lives of girls in the state, Udeze called for greater inclusion of young females in discussions and decisions that affect their lives particularly in the area of education. He noted: “an educated woman possesses the power to educate an entire family.”
The Speaker encouraged girls to uphold moral values, carry themselves with dignity, and pursue their dreams with determination, reminding them that “girls with dreams become women of vision, purpose, and impact.”
He further appealed to parents to play active roles in nurturing and guiding their daughters, while also urging well meaning individuals and organizations to support initiatives that empower the girl child. According to him, empowering the girl child should be seen as “a shared responsibility that demands collective commitment and unwavering dedication.”
Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
