"Invest in Girls' Education, Empowerment, Kebbi First Lady Urges"

By Umar Faruk 

Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria

October 09, 2025 (Series News Online)

The First Lady of Kebbi State, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, has emphasized the importance of investing in girls' education and empowerment, saying it is crucial for building a stronger society. She made this call to action during the celebration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, held in collaboration with DHS International and the Kebbi State Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education.

The event was themed "The Girl I Am, the Change I Lead: Girls are the Frontlines of Crisis." The First Lady highlighted the significance of providing girls with access to quality education, good health, and equal opportunities. "The International Day of the Girl Child reminds us of the many potentials within every girl when she is given the right to education, good health, and equal opportunities," she stated.

Hajiya Zainab urged young girls to believe in themselves and work hard towards their goals, saying, "When we empower our girls, we empower families, communities, and build a nation." She assured that the Kebbi State government, under the Renewed Hope Initiative, is committed to creating safe spaces for girls to learn and grow without limits.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Halima Muhammad, emphasized that being a girl should not determine one's capacity and ability to deliver. "Daily action is being taken to realize the vision of a world in which all girls are protected, respected, and empowered," she stated.

The event featured the grand opening of Debate and Games, alongside the distribution of exercise books to various schools and sanitary pads to support girls' education and hygiene. Goodwill messages were delivered by stakeholders, including DHS International and the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Ahmed Yakubu Birnin Kebbi.

The First Lady's initiative aims to create a supportive environment for girls to learn, grow, and thrive. As the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child, the theme serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role girls play in shaping their communities and the world at large.