Tinubu Lauds New Campaign Promoting Inclusive Education, Gender Equity

President Bola Tinubu has lauded a recently launched campaign titled "Education as a Powerful Tool for Change," which aims at promoting inclusive education, skill development and gender equality.

The campaign kicked off with the tag #WeAreEqual and was led by the Organization of African First Ladies for Development. It has been launched in 15 African countries focusing on health, education, economic empowerment, and ending gender-based violence. This initiative was headed by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

During the launch Monday, Tinubu praised the commitment of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development in making efforts to reduce the gender gap across the continent.

"This campaign holds significant importance for us in Africa. I, therefore, congratulate you all, particularly my dear wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, who has chosen education as a primary tool to champion this campaign nationwide," the Nigerian president said, as per the official State House website.

"The focus of the launch of this campaign in Nigeria, 'Education as a Powerful Tool for Change' is critical for Africa's development if we are to attain gender equity and ensure equal opportunities for all."

The president noted that it was essential to keep creating opportunities for children to access quality education, especially for young girls. He said that no one should be left behind and everyone should get the same opportunities, regardless of their gender because, eventually, this will help to build a stronger and peaceful society.

Tinubu mentioned that the campaign kicked off in Nigeria coincided with the re-introduction of the Alternative High School for Girls advanced by the First Lady, adding that the initiative will provide girls -- who dropped out of school -- another chance to complete their education.

Tinubu acknowledged that after becoming the president on May 29, he witnessed first-hand how young girls were dealing with unwanted teenage pregnancy, domestic violence, human trafficking and drug addiction problems in the country.

"Indeed, the re-introduction of Alternative High School for Girls by the First Lady of Nigeria must have received inspiration from the successful implementation of a similar initiative in Lagos State during my tenure as governor," he said.

Tinubu praised the campaign that "promises to gift an educated girl-child the potential to bring the necessary change and transform African communities for the better," adding that he wished for a fruitful deliberation of the initiative.

Last month, the president signed the student loan bill into law, before highlighting the importance of education in getting rid of poverty.