House Speaker Abbas Vacates Seat for 16-Year-Old Gender Advocate In Day Of The Girl Child Celebration

The House of Representatives marked the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child in a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, October 10th, in Abuja with the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., making history by temporarily vacating his seat for Ms. Isabel Anani, a 16-year-old gender advocate, as part of a special session dedicated to highlighting the rights and future of girls in Nigeria. 

As announced in a press statement by the spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi Jr., during the session, Speaker Abbas stated, “I call on all Honourable Members to join me in a round of applause for Isabel and for all Nigerian girls who continue to demonstrate immense strength, ambition, and determination in overcoming barriers.” He underscored the importance of empowering the next generation of female leaders as part of the House’s broader commitment to inclusion. 

Anani, in her capacity as ‘Shadow Speaker,’ expressed her vision for a future where girls have equal opportunities: “I envision a future where every girl, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to flourish; where education isn’t seen as a high-pedestal privilege, but as an essential tool to equip girls to make important decisions that affect them.” 

The session also saw the adoption of a motion sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara (APC, Lagos), calling on key stakeholders like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to work together to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse. 

Additionally, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Education to create practical solutions to address the issue of out-of-school girls across the nation and called for amendments to the Child’s Rights Act to enhance protections for sexually abused children. 

Reaffirming their commitment to gender inclusion, the House expressed dedication to ensuring girls across Nigeria are given opportunities to lead, stating that “girls are not only the leaders of tomorrow; they are catalysts for change today.”

Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi

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