Remi Tinubu, World Bank Champion Girls’ Education
First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment—alongside development partners like the World Bank—to ensuring every child, especially girls, has access to education, regardless of social or economic background.
Speaking at the launch of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Additional Financing and AGILE Games Award Ceremony at the State House in Abuja, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that Nigerian children are “the heartbeat of the nation.” She encouraged them to pursue education, creativity, and self-belief, declaring that their potential to transform Nigeria is limitless.
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AGILE, supported by the World Bank, is one of Nigeria’s largest education initiatives aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school girls. Mrs. Tinubu also introduced two new programs under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI):
Environment Clubs in schools and universities to promote sustainability, and Flow with Confidence, a hygiene initiative to provide a year’s supply of sanitary pads to rural schoolgirls.
Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa praised AGILE as a major step in promoting education, calling it both a human right and a national security imperative. World Bank Country Director Taimur Samad revealed that AGILE is the organization’s second-largest education project, aiming to reach 50 million students as two-thirds of Nigerian girls drop out before completing school.
Governors from Borno, Taraba, and other states pledged continued support for girls’ education. A highlight of the event was when a special needs student, Awelewa, presented a painting to the First Lady, showcasing the resilience and creativity of Nigerian children.
The celebration ended with a powerful message of hope and commitment to inclusive education under the Children’s Day theme of empowerment, opportunity, and renewed hope.
