On Thursday, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, honored the girl-child during plenary by vacating his seat for 16-year-old gender advocate Miss Isabel Anani.

This gesture marked the observance of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, themed “Girls’ Vision for the Future.” Before stepping down, Rep. Tajudeen emphasized the House’s commitment to recognizing this significant day alongside the global community.

He noted that the event sheds light on the challenges faced by girls worldwide while celebrating their resilience, potential, and vital contributions to a brighter future.

He welcomed students from public secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory, highlighting their presence as a reminder of the importance of investing in girls’ education and empowerment in Nigeria. Rep. Tajudeen introduced Isabel Anani, the “Speaker for the Day,” praising her as a remarkable young leader and advocate for gender equality.

Anani serves as the youngest member of the Technical Working Group for Adolescent Health and Wellbeing in Nigeria and is a UNICEF Young Influencer. She was selected for this role after a competitive application process, emerging as the top candidate from across the country. Throughout the day, Isabel will shadow the Speaker during plenary sessions and meetings, part of an initiative to empower young leaders. Rep. Tajudeen called for a round of applause for Isabel and all Nigerian girls, who continue to exhibit strength and determination in overcoming challenges.

Accompanied by female students from various FCT schools, Anani led the proceedings. Rep. Kafilat Ogbara (APC-Lagos State), Chair of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, moved a motion to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child. The motion was adopted, urging collaboration among the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Orientation Agency (NOA), schools, community organizations, and religious institutions to promote awareness of drug abuse and support rehabilitation efforts.

The House also called on the Federal Ministry of Education to implement initiatives, such as mobile education units, to reach out to out-of-school girls across Nigeria. Additionally, lawmakers urged the National Assembly to amend the Child’s Rights Act to enhance protections for sexually abused children and to ensure budgetary support for relevant agencies.

The House called for the swift passage of bills aimed at protecting women and girls, including the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill (GEOB). In her role as “Shadow Speaker,” Anani tasked the House Committees on Women Affairs and Social Development and Basic Education and Services to ensure compliance with these initiatives. Addressing the House, Anani shared her vision for a future where every girl has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of her background. She expressed a desire for education to be seen as a fundamental right rather than a privilege, empowering girls to make impactful decisions. “I envision a future where girls face no discrimination due to their biological realities and are supported in pursuing careers in STEM and politics,” she stated. Anani called for an equitable healthcare system that addresses girls’ needs without socio-cultural bias. She emphasized the urgency of empowering girls to tackle issues such as climate change, political conflict, and global unrest, insisting that every girl deserves access to healthcare, quality education, and protection from violence. “How can she lead if she lives in fear? We all have a role to play in supporting her dreams,” she concluded.