16-year-old Isabel presides over Reps session

The House of Representatives on Thursday celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child with a historic moment after the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, gave up his seat for 16-year-old Ms Isabel Anani, a gender advocate, to preside over a special session.

The International Day of the Girl Child is an international observance day declared by the United Nations. It is marked annually on October 11.

Anani, accompanied by female students from selected schools in the Federal Capital Territory, was introduced as the “Speaker for the Day.”

Speaker Abbas at the occasion, spoke on the significance of the girl-child, citing their resilience, potential, and crucial role in shaping a better future.

The ceremony was organised by Plan International Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation that advocates for children’s rights.

Before vacating his seat, Mr Abbas said, “Honourable members of the House of Representatives, I am pleased to announce that today, October 10, 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.

During the session, Isabel presided over the presentation of a motion titled “Commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child.”

The motion, moved by the member representing Kosofe Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Kafilat Ogbara, was sed seconded by the House spokesman, Mr Akin Rotimi.

The Shadow Speaker said, “For me, I envision a future where every girl regardless of where she comes from has an opportunity to flourish.

“A future 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.”

Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged relevant agencies to collaborate with schools and community organizations to educate the public on drug abuse dangers and promote a drug-free lifestyle.

They also called for practical measures to educate out-of-school girls across the 36 states of the federation.

Similarly, the House urged the National Assembly leadership to amend the Child’s Rights Act to protect sexually abused children and ensure swift passage of bills protecting women and girls, such as the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill.