Joseph Bakare
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Thursday, in an unprecedented manner, honoured the girl-child in plenary by vacating his seat for a 16-year-old gender advocate, Ms. Isabel Anani, who conducted a special session commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child.
This is the first time in the history of the House of Representatives that a sitting Speaker would vacate his seat to allow a non-member of the House to preside over plenary.
Members resumed plenary with the ceremonial session. They were stunned as Speaker Abbas announced the arrival of Ms Anani, who was accompanied by female students drawn from schools in the Federal Capital Territory, to conduct the proceedings.
A non-governmental and advocacy organisation, Plan International Nigeria, brought girls from various backgrounds and socio-economic profiles to the ceremony.
While the United Nations has designated October 11 as the International Day for the Girl Child, the Speaker called for a significant recognition of the girl-child in plenary on Thursday – the last sitting of the week.
Before vacating his seat, Speaker Abbas said: “Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, I am pleased to announce that today, the 10th of October, the House joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child. This day highlights the challenges faced by girls around the world, while celebrating their resilience, potential, and crucial role in shaping a better future.
“In recognition of this special occasion, we have the privilege of welcoming girls from public secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory, who are present today to observe our proceedings. Their presence is a reminder of the importance of investing in the education and empowerment of young girls in Nigeria.
“Furthermore, the House is proud to introduce Ms Isabel Anani, our ‘Speaker for the Day.’ Isabel is a remarkable young leader and a Girl Advocate for Gender Equality. She is also the youngest member of the Technical Working Group for Adolescent Health and Wellbeing in Nigeria as well as a UNICEF Young Influencer. Isabel was chosen for this prestigious role after emerging first among candidates across Nigeria, following an open call and a rigorous interview process.
“Throughout the day, she will shadow the Rt. Hon. Speaker, during today’s plenary session and in meetings, as part of our effort to empower young leaders. In the spirit of this celebration, 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.”
After taking the seat of the presiding officer, with a round of applause and standing ovation from leadership and members of the House, as well as the observers at the gallery, the ‘Shadow Speaker’ presided over the presentation of a motion by the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, titled ‘Commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child.’
Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi, seconded the motion.
Unanimously adopting the motion, the House resolved to urge the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and National Orientation Agency (NOA), alongside other stakeholders, to collaborate with schools, community organisations, and religious institutions to educate the public on drug abuse dangers and promote a drug-free lifestyle and to make provision for rehabilitation.
The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Education to devise practical ways, such as implementing mobile education units or community outreach programs, to educate out-of-school girls across the 36 states of the federation.
Also, the House urged the leadership of the National Assembly to see to the amendment of the Child’s Rights Act to provide protection for sexually abused children, and provide the necessary legislative support in terms of budgetary approvals to the concerned ministries in this regard; and also see to the domestication of the Child’s Right Act throughout the nation through the conference of speakers.
Furthermore, the House urged the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure the swift passage of bills that seek to protect women and girls, like the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill (GEOB).
Consequently, the ‘Shadow Speaker’ mandated the House Committees on Women Affairs and Social Development, and Basic Education and Services to engage the NDLEA, Federal Ministry of Education, the NOA, and other stakeholders by organising workshops, creating awareness campaigns, and monitoring progress to ensure compliance.
Addressing the House, Ms Anani, winner of the Girl Takeover Initiative who has just gained university admission to study engineering,
The Shadow Speaker partly said: “For me, I envision a future where every girl regardless of where she comes from has an 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, and ultimately the places they come from.
“I want a future where we don’t have to combat all the overwhelming experiences of childhood and adolescence alone; where girls aren’t discriminated because of their bodily functions, and are encouraged when they want to take firm hold of the mantle in places like STEM and politics and feel safe, feel wanted.”
She added: “As an aspiring woman in STEM, I know what it is like to be the only girl in male-dominated spaces. However, I don’t want to be the only girl. I want to be one of many. I want a future where the healthcare system for girls isn’t discriminated against due to the socio-cultural factors that so wrongfully exist.
“Now more than ever, we need girls to combat problems of climate change, political conflict, economic degeneration, diseases, and global unrest. We need to ensure that for every girl, there is access to healthcare that protects her and understands her needs; access to quality education that enables her to reach her potential; and safety from violence and harmful practices that affect her physically, emotionally and mentally.
“How would she take charge when she lives in constant fear? How does she dream when she is worried about what her next meal might be? Most importantly, she needs support because we all have a role to play.”
According to the UN, the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child’s theme is ‘Girls’ vision for the future’. “This year’s theme conveys both the need for urgent action and persistent hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future,” the global body says on its website.
