The 2025 International Day of the Girl Child was commemorated in Maiduguri with renewed advocacy for the protection, education, and empowerment of girls, particularly those affected by conflict and disability across Borno State.
The event, held at the ASUU Hall, University of Maiduguri, was convened by Joining Forces Nigeria, a coalition of the world’s leading child-focused organisations including SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, Plan International, Save the Children International, and Terre des Hommes International Federation. The alliance reaffirmed its collective resolve to advance child rights, protection, and inclusion across Nigeria.
The National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria EGHOSA ERHUMWUNSE represented by Head of Child Safeguarding Mr. Ebhota Felix, said that despite commendable progress, children’s rights in Nigeria remain under severe strain.
He cited persistent conflict, gender inequality, and poverty as major obstacles, compounded by emerging threats such as online exploitation, climate shocks, and large-scale displacement, which disproportionately affect girls.
“For many Nigerian girls, childhood is still defined by early marriage, interrupted education, and violence,” Mr. Ebhota lamented. “Joining Forces Nigeria exists to ensure that every girl can dream freely, live safely, and thrive confidently.”
He stressed that the International Day of the Girl is not merely a commemoration but a movement for accountability, demanding stronger systems that protect and empower girls, especially those in crisis-affected communities like Borno.
Mr. Ebhota reaffirmed the coalition’s readiness to collaborate with government institutions, development partners, academia, and the media to drive policy reform and inclusive community action. He disclosed that the coalition’s 2026 strategic framework will link policy advocacy with grassroots impact, ensuring that national commitments translate into tangible benefits for every child.
Reflecting on the global theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” he acknowledged the courage and resilience of girls who continue to overcome hardship and displacement to become community leaders, mentors, and advocates for change.
“In 2024 alone, over 1.2 million Nigerians were displaced by flooding, including more than 150,000 children in Borno State,” he revealed. “Amid these crises, girls are stepping forward as eco-champions, peacebuilders, and defenders of child protection.”
He further called for the implementation of the National Alternative Care Guidelines, review of the 2003 Child Rights Act, and the amendment of 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.
“When children are nurtured with love and protection, especially vulnerable and abandoned girls, they are less likely to become victims or perpetrators of violence later in life,” he added. “If we raise our children in care, we build the foundation for peace, justice, and sustainable development.”
Delivering a goodwill message, Barrister Hauwa Abubakar, represented by Kaltum Mustapha Bulama, conveyed the goodwill of the Borno State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, commending SOS Children’s Villages and its partners for their commitment to protecting the girl child. She reiterated the Ministry’s resolve to uphold justice, safeguard girls’ rights, and ensure equal access to education and opportunity.
“This year’s theme resonates deeply with our vision to empower every girl to rise above adversity and lead change,” she stated, lauding the resilience of conflict-affected girls across Borno.
For many attendees, the event was both symbolic and transformative. Fatima Muhammed Al-Amin, a visually impaired student from Special School, D. Modu Ganari, described the commemoration as an avenue for inclusion and empowerment.
“I’m happy to be part of this event because it raises awareness about the importance of educating girls,” she said. “I call on the government to continue supporting girls with disabilities through education and skills training so we can contribute meaningfully to society.”
Her schoolmate, Islam Muhammed Al-Amin, expressed appreciation to teachers and supporting organisations, emphasizing that children with disabilities are increasingly recognized for their abilities rather than their limitations.
Similarly, Hadiza Annam, a young girl from Maiduguri, praised SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria for empowering girls in her community. “My message to other girls is to stay strong, support one another, and never give up,” she said. “I also urge the government to continue supporting girls’ education and ensure the rescue and rehabilitation of the remaining Chibok schoolgirls.”
The commemoration drew participants from government agencies, academia, civil society, and the media, all united by a shared vision to advance the rights and wellbeing of every Nigerian child, particularly the girl child.
The event concluded with a resounding message: when girls are educated, protected, and empowered, they not only transform their communities but also shape a more peaceful and equitable Nigeria.
