The Federal Government will on Tuesday, 15th October 2024, unveil plans to commence the ‘Picking Out-of-School Children from the Street’ initiative, aimed at boosting education across the country.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy, disclosed this during the unveiling of the ‘Girl Child Education Ambassador’ event organized by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.

She stated, “The Federal Government is set to begin picking out-of-school children from the streets, starting on 15th October 2024.”

“Bringing these children off the streets will enable the Government to reach their parents, particularly their mothers.”

Mrs. Kennedy added, “The Federal Government plans to empower the mothers of out-of-school children so that they can better care for their children.”

She therefore urged all relevant stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to come together to empower underprivileged women across the country.

Speaking on ‘Empowering the Future: Girl Child Education for a Brighter Tomorrow,’ the Mandate Secretary of Women Affairs, Dayo Benjamin-Olaniyi, emphasized, “Education is the cornerstone of personal and societal transformation, and for the girl child, it holds the key to unlocking a brighter future.”

“Quality education empowers girls to break free from the shackles of poverty, inequality, and social injustice, turning them into agents of change in their communities.”

While stressing the importance of girl child education, she argued that the initiative will break the cycle of poverty, adding, “Educated girls are more likely to secure better-paying jobs, lifting themselves and their families out of poverty.”

On promoting gender equality, she maintained: “Education helps bridge the gender gap, challenges harmful stereotypes, and fosters equal opportunities.

It also enables girls to make informed decisions about their health, reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, builds confidence, and empowers girls to become leaders in their communities. Moreover, educated girls contribute to economic growth, innovation, and national development.”