Girl-child mentorship key to nation building – Foundation

By Salisu Sani-Idris

An Abuja-based NGO, Helpline Foundation for the Needy, on Wednesday in Abuja identified early girl-child mentorship and social inclusion as key to nation building.

The President and Founder of the foundation, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, stated this at a one-day workshop on “Gender Equality and Social Inclusion for FCT Original Inhabitants Girl-child Mentorship and Capacity Building”.

Ahmadu, who was represented by the foundation’s Project Manager, Arome Onoja said a well groomed girl-child could grow into a responsible and resourceful woman that nurtures the society in several ways.

She said that the workshop, supported by MacArthur Foundation and CHRICED, was aimed at providing more insight to the challenges of the girl-child, especially among the Abuja original inhabitants as well as addressing same.

Ahmadu urged stakeholders to promote the ideals that espouse gender equality and social inclusion of the girl-child.

She said that a healthy generation depended on the upbringing of the girl-child.

“Today, we are here for another dimension of the project with an objective of mentoring the girl-child on gender equality and social inclusion.

“We will also build in them the capacity to stand strong and compete in inclusive economy where talents can meet with opportunities.

“This programme will no doubt prepare them for a future we anticipated for them to become virtuous women.

“Remember, when you train a girl-child you have trained a generation, ” Ahmadu said.

Kosi Izundu, a Reproductive Health and Family Planning Programme Officer, who represented Pathfinder International Nigeria, said the girl-child needed proper understanding of her reproductive state and the issues around it.

Izundu said that giving the girls the right information at every phase of their lives and development was important to raising future adults that would make reasonable impact in the society.

“It is important to give the girls the right information so they can grow into very healthy adolescents and adults who will fulfill their potentials in the society.

(NAN)