Abubakar Mohammed, Maiduguri
Education activist and 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Malala Yousafzai has applauded the Borno State government for its support for girls education in the State.
Malala who was part of the special UN envoy was in the State with her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, the UN deputy Secretary General, Hajjiya Amina Mohammed, Mr. Matthias Schmale UN Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator and other members of the UN team to pay a courtesy call to the governor in celebration of 10years of her UN speech and her 26th birthday.
According to her every year since her UN Speech, she has been travelling around the world to bring attention to the stories of girls who are so determined, dedicated and optimistic about a better future for themselves and their countries. Malala noted that her story has made people realize how important it is for ONE girl to have access to education.
She said, “although my story is unique however, there are so many girls who have unique stories as well and also the potential to change their communitites“.
She stressed that these girls need to get the chance to get education and pursue their dreams. She expressed her concerns over the safety and security of girls education and the lack of investment in girls education. She therefore called on all stakeholders; the government, Civil Societies, education activists and the girls to collectively work together to bring the desired change in the education sector.
UN deputy Secretary General and Nigeria’s former minister of Envirnment, Hajjiya Amina Mohammed said it is a priviledge to be received by the good people of Borno State. She said the delegation were in the State because Borno is the place where Malala started her effort for Girls education in Nigeria. She said although their visit starts from Borno, the delegation will proceed to Abuja, the Federal Capital Terriority where Malala and her team will meet with policy makers and education activists who Malala has nurtured and inspired to go back to school to have a hope that there’s a better tomorrow, one that they can contribute to.
Governor Babagana Umar Zulum in his response, expressed delight and welcomed Malala who was visiting Borno for the 3rd time. He appreciated members of the team especially, Mr. Yousafzai for standing by his daughter against all odds and giving her all the support she needed to fulfil her God ordained destiny.
He said, “Malala is an advocate and inspiration to girls all over the world, hope that all fathers can emulate Malala’s father and give the neccesary support their children need to unleash their potentials”.
The governor who recalled Malala’s visit in 2017, where she raised attention of the global community to the plight of girls and their education, a time where most young people could not even visit the State. He noted the support of the Malala Foundation in the State in building and resuscitating education.
Oyenike Oyeniyi
