The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has called on the federal government to provide adolescent girls with the platforms to express their feelings.
UNICEF said those marginalised due to disability, poverty, or crises, and those who are pregnant, parenting, or forced into marriage should be considered.
In a release signed by UNICEF Country Representative, Christian Munduate, and obtained in Dutse, Jigawa state capital by Blueprint, the UNICEF said the girls need to be allowed to learn and thrive, noting the abundance of resilience and strength as well as potential innate in them.
He said the commitment to children must be unwavering and paramount for Nigeria’s progress.
“The stakes are high for an estimated 26 million adolescent girls, ages 10-19 in the country, especially those marginalised due to disability, poverty, or crises, and those who are pregnant, parenting, or forced into marriage.
“The spotlight must remain on championing girls’ education, preventing harmful cultural practices, advancing menstrual hygiene, offering tailored health services, and meeting
the nutritional requirements of the young ladies.
“The potential of our girls is limitless, but we must first provide them with the platform to express, learn, and thrive,” Manduate added.
He said in a rapidly evolving world, the dreams and aspirations of adolescent girls are the beacons that can guide their effort towards a more inclusive, equitable future.
