NUJ FCT backs OAIC’s campaign for Girl Child education

The Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ FCT Council has applauded the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) FCT Chapter for organizing an Enlightenment/Wellness Campaign on Girl Child Education.

Addressing Clergy, Parents, Caregivers, and Advocates for Education at the event, the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Grace Ike stated that the Union identifies fully with the objectives of the campaign, describing education as one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives especially for the girl child.

Represented by the Treasurer of the Council, Comrade Sandra Chukwugekwu, the NUJ FCT Chairman explained that by promoting girl child education, their future were not only being secured but the families and communities were being empowered to rise above poverty, illiteracy, and marginalization.

She commended the OAIC’s effort in creating awareness and providing practical support through empowerment training and skill acquisition, especially for indigent women and girls, describing it as grassroots impact at its best, and we are proud to associate with it, said Comrade Ike.

“As journalists, we pledge our continued support in amplifying such developmental initiatives. Together, let us continue to champion causes that give voice to the voiceless and light the path toward equity, opportunity, and national development”.

Meanwhile, during the event, some educators, religious leaders, and policymakers renewed calls for an end to early child marriage and for greater investment in girl-child education, stressing that empowering young girls benefits the entire nation.

A representative of the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Angela Nkwocha emphasized the need for young girls to be involved in policy decisions especially the ones that affects them.

Mrs. Nkwocha explained that the Ministry, in collaboration with international partners such as UNESCO and UNICEF, were taking steps to ensure girls remain in school.

“We must stop early child marriage so that girls can acquire education,” she said. “We go into rural areas, speak to communities in the language they understand, and ask the girls directly what they need. We can’t discuss their future without their voices in the room.”

She noted that involving traditional and religious leaders has been key to reaching grassroots communities.

“When traditional rulers speak, the community listens. We equip them with the right message so they can carry it back home for effective results,” she added.

The Chairman of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) in the FCT, Reverend Timothy Amakom, said many Nigerians still hold the outdated belief that educating girls was a waste.

“That notion is wrong,” he insisted. “We have seen women excel as ministers, commissioners, and even international leaders like Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. One day, a woman will be president of Nigeria.”

The Keynote speaker at the event, Dr. Nestor Ande-Philip, a lecturer at the University of Abuja, stressed that in some communities, girls are still denied education and pushed into “early marriage, servitude, and other activities inimical to their development.”

“We must engage all levels of government, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to ensure every girl has access to quality education,” he said.

The participants at the event gave the commitment to strengthen advocacy, remove socio-economic barriers, and support policies that ensure girls can pursue their education free from discrimination and early marriage pressures.