……… Children with Disabilities, Conflict Survivors Speak Out
By Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
The 2025 International Day of the Girl Child has been commemorated in Maiduguri with a renewed call for stronger protection, education, and empowerment of girls across the state.
The event, organised by Joining Forces Nigeria, a coalition of the world’s leading child-focused organisations, was held at the ASUU Hall, University of Maiduguri. The coalition comprises SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, Plan International, Save the Children International, and Terre des Hommes International Federation, all working collectively to advance child rights and protection nationwide.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Felix Eghota, Head of Child Safeguarding at SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, who represented the organisation’s National Director, Ms. Ego Sayeru Musele, said that despite notable progress, the rights of children in Nigeria remain under constant threat.
He cited conflict, gender bias, poverty, and inequality as major factors undermining children’s wellbeing, adding that new risks such as online exploitation, climate shocks, and displacement have further worsened their vulnerability, especially for girls.
Mr. Eghota noted that for many Nigerian girls, childhood is still defined by early marriage, interrupted education, and violence, stressing that Joining Forces Nigeria exists to ensure that every girl “can dream freely, live safely, and thrive confidently.”
He emphasized that the International Day of the Girl Child is not merely a celebration but a movement of solidarity and accountability, aimed at strengthening systems that protect and empower every girl, particularly those in conflict-affected regions such as Borno State.
The SOS Children’s Villages representative reaffirmed the coalition’s readiness to collaborate with government agencies, development partners, academia, and the media to promote joint advocacy, policy reform, and child-centered development initiatives.
Eghota highlighted that the coalition’s 2026 strategic direction would focus on linking policy advocacy with community impact and child participation, ensuring that national policies translate into real benefits for children at the grassroots.
Reflecting on the year’s global theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” he said millions of Nigerian girls continue to demonstrate exceptional resilience amid conflict, displacement, and climate-related challenges.
“In 2024 alone, over 1.2 million Nigerians were displaced by flooding, including more than 150,000 children in Borno State,” Eghota noted. “Yet, many girls have emerged as community leaders eco-champions, mentors, and advocates for climate resilience and child protection.”
He also called for the implementation of the National Alternative Care Guidelines, a review of the 2003 Child Rights Act, and the passage of the bill to amend Section 29(4)(b) of the 1999 Constitution to harmonize the legal age for marriage with the Child Rights Act, which sets 18 years as the minimum.
Eghota stressed that when children are raised in love and care especially abandoned or vulnerable girls they are less likely to become victims or perpetrators of violence later in life. “If we nurture our children with care, we build the foundation for peace, justice, and sustainable development,” he said.
In a goodwill message, Barrister Hauwa Abubakar, represented by Kaltum Mustapha Bulama, conveyed the greetings of the Borno State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
She praised SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria and its partners for organizing the commemoration and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting girls’ rights, and promoting equal access to justice.
This year’s theme resonates deeply with our vision of empowering every girl to rise above challenges and lead change,” she said, commending the resilience and courage of girls affected by conflict in Borno State.
Visually impaired student Fatima Muhammed Al-Amin from Special School, D Modu Ganari, expressed joy at participating in the event, describing it as an opportunity for inclusion and learning.
“I’m happy to be part of this event because it raises awareness about the importance of girls’ education,” she said. “I call on the government to continue supporting girls with disabilities by providing education and skills training so we can become productive members of society.”
Another student, Islam Muhammed Al-Amin, also from the Special School, appreciated teachers and organizations supporting children with special needs, noting that “children with disabilities are now being recognized for their abilities, not their limitations.”
Similarly, Hadiza Annam, a young girl from Maiduguri, commended SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria for empowering girls in her community.
“My message to other girls is to stay strong, encourage one another, and never give up,” she said. “I also call on the government to support girls’ education and ensure the rescue and rehabilitation of the remaining Chibok schoolgirls still in captivity.”
The event brought together representatives from government institutions, civil society, academia, and the media to reaffirm their commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of every Nigerian child, especially the girl child.
The celebration underscored a shared vision: that when girls are educated, protected, and empowered, they not only transform their communities but also shape a more peaceful and equitable Nigeria.
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