Rotimi Amaechi, a former minister of transportation, says Nigeria must build a country where no girl child is left behind in the future.
In a statement on Saturday to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, Amaechi said every girl should be empowered to “live well, to lead, and to thrive”.
The former Rivers governor said the trend of making the girl child victims of families difficult decisions must stop.
He said while he was Rivers governor, his administration took deliberate steps to level the playing field and empower the girl child through education.
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“Unfortunately, in many families and communities across Nigeria today, when difficult choices must be made, girls are often the first to be pulled out of school — not because they lack ability or ambition, but because their potential is overlooked,” Amaechi said.
“We built and equipped model schools, provided free and quality education, and ensured that classrooms were safe, inclusive, and open to every child, especially the girl child.
“We also strengthened access to primary healthcare, so that no girl’s health would stand in the way of her future.
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“Yet, even as we acknowledge those efforts, we must face the reality of today. Millions of girls in Nigeria still face significant barriers.
“This is why we must recommit ourselves to building a Nigeria where no girl is left behind, and every girl is empowered to live well, to lead, and to thrive. This requires less rhetoric and more action.
“Action that opens doors, protects dreams, and gives every girl the confidence to lead. Because when a girl is educated, safe, and supported, she becomes a force of transformation, not just for herself, but for her family, her community, and our country.”
Amaechi added that nothing can stop the girl child from leading change in the country.
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