By Lizzy Carr
Bauchi State First Lady, Hajiya (Dr.) Aisha Bala Mohammed, has praised Nigerian girls for standing up for education, health, and dignity — demonstrating leadership and resilience even in times of crisis.
She made the remark during the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child celebration at the Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu Square, Government House, Bauchi, with the theme “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontline of Crisis.”
Aisha Bala Mohammed said girls across the country are “not just part of the future — they are shaping it right now,” noting that Bauchi girls are leading awareness campaigns on menstrual hygiene, environmental protection, and community service.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expand access to education, end child marriage and gender-based violence, and support digital learning for girls.
“Through the Bauchi Girl Child Education Initiative, thousands of girls have returned to school — and we will continue until every girl has a chance to learn and grow,” she said.
The First Lady also urged traditional, religious, and community leaders to continue championing girls’ empowerment, while calling on parents to support and inspire their daughters.
“You are strong, intelligent, and full of potential. The girl you are today can change the world tomorrow,” she told the girls.
Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawan Mohammed Rimin Zayam, described girls as “leaders of today” who are already driving change in classrooms and communities.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to inclusive education, digital skills, and adolescent health.
Also speaking, AGILE Project Coordinator, Hajiya Ladi Hamma Mohammed, said the initiative has helped thousands of girls return to school, gain skills, and build confidence, but urged all stakeholders to continue supporting girls’ education.
In a global statement marking the International Day of the Girl, UNFPA Executive Director Ms. Diene Keita said girls across the world are on the frontlines of crisis — and of their future.
“Every girl has the right to embrace who she is and choose who she wants to become. Yet for millions of adolescent girls, the journey is perilous, marked by the crushing consequences of crises they did not create,” she stated.
Keita whose message was read by the ministry Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst and Bauchi State Program officer Debora Tabara emphasized that despite challenges, girls continue to imagine a better world and lead efforts for safety, dignity, and human rights.
She urged global and local actors to ensure that every girl — whether in or out of school — has access to safe spaces, life skills, and comprehensive education that allows her to thrive.
“When a girl steps up to meet the challenges she faces, she must be sure that the world stands beside her — ready to chart the path forward, not for her, but with her,” Keita concluded.
In her goodwill message, UNFPA Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Muriel Mafiko, commended the Bauchi First Lady for her commitment to empowering women and girls, assuring continued UNFPA support to help every girl reach her potential.
