By Victoria Onehi
Plan International Nigeria,an NGO geared towards promoting rights of girls and children, has disbursed over one hundred million naira to youth-led organisations and young visual artists from across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
Country Director, Plan International Nigeria,Charles Usie said this was part of activities to mark the five-years strategic plan to empower young girls and youth across the nation.
The grant was given to youth-led organisations at the event to mark the 10 years anniversary of Plan International Nigeria,which held at the Abuja Continental Hotel,Abuja,on Thursday.
While speaking to journalists, Usie said part of the five-years strategic plan was providing livelihood, empowerment and employment for young people.
” We are going to be focusing on practical ways to support young people in giving access to live a decent life.Today, we have presented over 100 million cash to different youth groups to go and do business and projects that will support young people practically.Its a grant.We are matching our words with action.
” In the next five years,we are targeting to spend 120 million euros to support 20 million girls. Its our new country strategy (2024 – 2028) which seeks to empower 20 million girls to learn, lead, decide, and thrive in Nigeria.” Usie said.
He added that part of the funds is to help 150,000 girls who are out-of-school in Kano state to get back to school .
Usie said: “For the strategy we are unveiling today,there are six sectors which we are going to be supporting going forward.One is Basic education.In Kano state,we have a target to bring 150,000 girls who are out-of-school back to school.Other areas are Child Development,Youth Development,Sexual reproductive health and rights and Protection from violence for girls.”
In her paper, ‘Empowering Girls to take Action’, keynote speaker and immediate past Director-General of of NAPTIP, Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi stated six strategic areas in which girls can be empowered.
” Access to quality education-We must make education a non-negotiable right for every girl.Also, Skills development and Entrepreneurship.In today’s world, digital skills and entrepreneurial knowledge are invaluable. Also,Legal and policy frameworks that protect girls are key.Community engagement, gathering and analysing gender specific datas, involvement of men and boys in empowerment of girls are all key in empowering girls.”She said.
Country Director,MacAuthur Foundation and Board Member, Plan International Nigeria,Dr Kole Shettima said as a nation,if there is anything to invest in,it’s girls education.”Because when girls are educated,they will not ask how to better their lives.They will know what to do to be economically empowered,they will seek healthcare for themselves and their families and we will have a better society.” Shettima noted.
