TheCable

Girl child education advocate, Malala Yousafzai, has dedicated Monday, which is known internationally as Malala Day, to the abducted Chibok girls.

Speaking at a media briefing at the the Transcorp Hilton hotel in Abuja, the young advocate who consistently referred to the abducted Chibok girls as “sisters” revealed that during her meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, she emphasised the need for the president to fulfill his responsibility, which is to “listen to Nigerians who are saying ‘bring back our girls’”.

Malala, narrating her experience with terror in Pakistan, said it made her strong, as the world rose in her support and the cause of girl child education.

“This ‘Malala Day’ is a day for education for every child. It is dedicated to my dear Nigerian sisters who are going through the same brutal situation as I went through in Pakistan,” the 17-year-old said.

“My birthday wish is for responsible people to listen to the voice of the Nigerian girls and their parents. Malala Day is one when we all stand together for those who are voiceless and must be heard. But for things to change, it must be day for action.

“Through our own organisation, Malala Fund we have raised about $200, 000 that would be given to two Nigerian organisations: Girl Child Concern and the Centre of Girl Education. I know that my small contribution is not enough; we still have a lot to do; but it is the little I could do because I am one girl.”

She appealed to Boko Haram to release the girls, warning that terror group is misrepresenting Islam. She called on the world community to protect girls for violence, and urged Nigerians to be united irrespective of their differences.

“Today, I ask all countries to say no to war. Let us talk; let us preach peace. War in any country should be ended,” she said.

“Instead of spending money on weapons, it should be spent on education. A country becomes powerful when its future generation is educated. Let us stand together for peace and education for together we are more powerful.”