Speaker of the House Vacates Seat for 16-Year-Old, Acknowledges Her with Respect as She Sits
- The Nigeria House of Representatives marked the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child by having Speaker Abbas Tajudeen ceremonially vacate his seat for 16-year-old gender advocate Isabel Anani
- This unique gesture depicted the theme "Girls’ Vision for the Future" and highlights the House's commitment to empowering young leaders
- During the session, the House also addressed critical issues such as drug abuse prevention and education for out-of-school girls
The Nigeria House of Representatives proudly joined the global community in commemorating the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child. This significant day highlights the urgent need to advocate for the rights of girls and address the challenges they face worldwide.
This year, the House of Representatives marked the occasion with a unique ceremonial plenary held in the Green Chamber.
Source: Twitter
In a bold expression of this year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., honored the girl-child by vacating his seat for a 16-year-old gender advocate, Ms. Isabel Anani, to shadow him throughout the day.
Reps Speaker Abbas hosts 16-year-old on International Girl Child Day
Speaking at the special session, Rt. Hon. Abbas described the gesture as part of the House’s effort to empower young leaders.
PAY ATTENTION: Legit.ng Needs Your Help! Take our Survey Now and See Improvements at LEGIT.NG Tomorrow
“I call on all Honourable Members to join me in a round of applause for Isabel and for all Nigerian girls who continue to demonstrate immense strength, ambition, and determination in overcoming barriers,” he added.
‘Shadow Speaker’ Anani, selected from candidates across Nigeria, stated, “I envision a future where every girl, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to flourish; 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.”
During the ceremonial sitting, the House adopted a motion sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara (APC, Lagos) and seconded by Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr. (APC, Ekiti).
The motion urged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and other stakeholders to collaborate on educating the public about the dangers of drug abuse and promoting a drug-free lifestyle.
'It was affirming'
Hassana Maina, Executive Director of ASVIOL Support Initiative, spoke to Legit.ng about the significance of that symbolic gesture by the Nigerian House of Representatives:
“The honour of having Isabella Anani to serve as a shadow speaker on the International Day of the Girl Child was an important initiative by PLAN International. It can not be overstated. Especially in a world where we want girls to be able to see themselves in an important position. To have her sit on that chair was inspiring, it was affirming. It goes to show that young girls can be anything they set their minds to. My message to every young girl out there is to know that she can achieve her dreams.”
Tinubu bows to pressure, confers higher honour on Speaker Abbas
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
The GCON is the second-highest national honour in Nigeria.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
Source: Legit.ng
