To mark the International Day of the Girl Child, the Ministry of Youth Development launched an essay competition for young girls across Nigeria. The winner will become Nigeria’s Minister of Youth for a day, influencing policy discussions and gaining insight into the Ministry’s workings.
According to Anwujoola Kehinde Awujoola, Special Assistant to the Minister of State on Gender Matters, this initiative empowers girls to express their ideas on societal issues and develop leadership skills.
Anwujoola made the statement after the inauguration of the adjudicating committee on Friday in Abuja
Earlier the Honorable Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has inaugurated a five-member committee to oversee the National Essay Competition.
The winner will receive a cash prize and serve as “1-Day Minister of State for Youth Development” on October 11, 2024.
During the inauguration, Minister Olawande reaffirmed his dedication to creating opportunities for young girls to lead and make their voices heard, emphasizing the importance of girls’ empowerment.
the adjudication panel comprises experts in gender advocacy and youth development, including Opeyemi Sani, Iyawa Bawa Pyiki, Confidence Ezeala, and Victor Adetolaju.
The competition aims to amplify the voices of young girls and spark conversations about Gender Equality, Education and Leadership
This initiative is part of a broader effort to address challenges faced by girls, including limited access to education and digital divide. Organizations like Give Girls A Chance are also working to improve girls’ access to quality education and address the digital divide
The United Nations emphasizes that “when girls lead, the impact is immediate and wide-reaching: families, communities, and economies are all stronger, our future brighter”