The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with Save the Children International and The Women International, today hosted the 2025 International Day of the Girl-Child celebration at the Dr. Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Abuja, under the global theme: “The Girl I am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Front Lines of Crisis.”
In a gathering that brought together Members of the National Assembly, Ministers, Commissioners, Directors from the FMWASD, Development Partners, Civil Society Leaders, the Media, and hundreds of girls from across the country, the event became a resounding affirmation of the strength, brilliance, and leadership of Nigerian girls in shaping the nation’s future.
Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI, in her keynote address lauded the courage and potential of the Nigerian girl-child, emphasizing that girls are not merely victims of circumstance but active agents of change who are leading national conversations on education, technology, climate justice, and peacebuilding.
“Today, we celebrate the courage, brilliance, and boundless potential of every Nigerian girl who dares to dream, to lead, and to transform her world,” the Minister declared.
“In investing in girls, we invest in a future where no Nigerian child is left behind. The advancement of the girl-child is not merely a gender issue—it is a development imperative.”
Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted key strides by the Ministry to protect and empower girls, including the review of the Child Rights Act (2003), implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, and validation of the National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene. She also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment as a UN Pathfinder Country in the fight to end child marriage and address emerging threats such as online grooming, cyberbullying, and exploitation.
The Minister called on all stakeholders—parents, teachers, faith leaders, and communities—to nurture safe spaces where girls can thrive without fear and to continue investing in girl-child education as a key driver of national development.
2025 International Day of the Girl-Child celebration on Street of FCT, Abuja
“To every Nigerian girl, from Sokoto to Calabar, Maiduguri to Lagos—rise and lead,” she urged. “You are light in the midst of shadows, the melody in the silence of doubt, and the change our world needs.”
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, MBBS, FWACP (Paed), MSc (PH) in her welcome address, expressed appreciation to all partners and stakeholders for their support. She underscored the significance of the day in shaping the future of millions of Nigerian girls.
“What we do here today will shape the future of millions of Nigerian girls, We must continue to amplify their voices and empower them to fulfill their potential in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.” Dr Keshinro stated
Mr. Duncan Harvey, Country Director of Save the Children International, in his remarks, commended the leadership of the Ministry and reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to advancing child rights and gender equality in Nigeria.
According to him, the theme of this year’s celebration is a bold declaration as it calls on us to see girls not only through the challenges they face but through the solutions they create, adding that across Nigeria, girls, are stepping forward—advocating for education, demanding protection, and leading change in their communities.
Mr. Harvey showcased the impact of Girl Champions across five states, that have designed and implemented community projects tackling issues such as child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and menstrual hygiene, proving that girls are not passive recipients of aid, but active drivers of transformation.
Representative of ‘The women International’, Abuja Chapter, Mrs Ginika Ukoha delivered a remark on behalf of the CEO Mrs. Bukky Maiye, reiterating that the day’s commemoration was not just an event but a movement.
“Every girl deserves to be protected, empowered, and given the freedom to dream without limits.
We gather not out of pity but out of purpose—to stand with every girl as she redefines what leadership looks like, even in the face of crisis.” She declared.
Mrs Ukoha led participants in a series of affirmations from The Women International’s “PinkUp for Girls” campaign—an empowering call for solidarity and action toward gender equality.
The 2025 International Day of the Girl-Child celebration served as a rallying point for renewed commitment to invest in girls’ education, leadership, and protection. It also reinforced the message that girls are not waiting for the future—they are shaping it now.
Signed
Ahmed Lawan Danbazau mnipr
Head, Information, Press & Public Relations
