World Leaders Renew Pledges for Girls’ Empowerment on International Day
On October 11, 2025, the United Nations marked International Day of the Girl Child with the theme ‘The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis,’ focusing on girls’ roles in tackling climate change, conflict, and inequality amid risks like school dropouts and violence. UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted girls’ resilience and the need for education and safety, noting 120 million girls out of school globally, while leaders in India promoted initiatives like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and called for stronger measures against disparities. Grassroots efforts in Nigeria and Uganda, alongside corporate programs, amplified commitments to foster leadership and equal opportunities worldwide.
Empowering the Girl Child: Securing Our Common Future A message from peter obi
Today, as the world marks the International Day of the Girl Child, we are reminded of the immense potential that lies within every girl when she is given the right opportunities to learn, grow, and lead.
Sadly, in Nigeria today, more than 29 million children remain out of school, and the majority of them are girls. This grim reality confronts us with an uncomfortable truth: we are failing to safeguard the dreams and future of our daughters. A society that neglects its girls undermines its own progress and weakens the foundations of its future.
The empowerment of girls and women is the smartest investment any country can make. An educated girl becomes a pillar of stability in her family, a force for development in her community, and a beacon of hope for the nation.
We must, therefore, commit ourselves to deliberate action—bringing every girl back to school, protecting her from abuse and domestic violence, and ensuring that she has access to education, healthcare, and dignity. The strength of our nation will be measured by how well we nurture the dreams of our girls and give them the tools to achieve them.
When we educate a girl, we elevate a family; when we empower a girl, we transform a nation.
Let us, on this day, renew our resolve to build a Nigeria where every girl can dream freely, learn confidently, and contribute meaningfully to our shared destiny.
Happy International Day of the Girl Child. -PO
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