In his message on X, on the International Girl Child Day 2025, on Saturday 11 October, 2025, Peter Obi, called for the “right opportunities” to be given to every girl to help them “learn, grow, and lead”.
Obi lamented, it is unfortunate that in Nigeria today, a huge portion of the over “29 million” of the out-of-school children are girls.
The former Anambra Governor said, a society that fails to help the girl child “undermines its own progress” and thinning the bedrock of its future.
In his message titled ‘Empowering the Girl Child: Securing Our Common Future’, Obi said: “As the world marks the International Day of the Girl Child, we are reminded of the immense potential that lies within every girl when she is given the right opportunities to learn, grow, and lead.
“Sadly, in Nigeria today, more than 29 million children remain out of school, and the majority of them are girls. This grim reality confronts us with an uncomfortable truth: we are failing to safeguard the dreams and future of our daughters. A society that neglects its girls undermines its own progress and weakens the foundations of its future.”
According to un.org:
The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.
Adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life, not only during these critical formative years, but also as they mature into women. If effectively supported during the adolescent years, girls have the potential to change the world
Obi said, when a girl is educated, she emerges “a pillar of stability in her family”, as well as, “a beacon of hope for the nation”.
He added, we must make a resolution to build a Nigeria where every girl can “dream freely”.
Obi said: “The empowerment of girls and women is the smartest investment any country can make. An educated girl becomes a pillar of stability in her family, a force for development in her community, and a beacon of hope for the nation.
“We must, therefore, commit ourselves to deliberate action—bringing every girl back to school, protecting her from abuse and domestic violence, and ensuring that she has access to education, healthcare, and dignity.
“Let us, on this day, renew our resolve to build a Nigeria where every girl can dream freely, learn confidently, and contribute meaningfully to our shared destiny.
“Happy International Day of the Girl Child.”
