Usman Garba
Kano state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has handed over his office as the executive governor of Kano state to young Atika Aminu, who acted as the governor of the state for almost an hour.
The governor willingly handed the office in order to join young girls, all over the world, in celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) organized by UNICEF in collaboration with the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), held at Africa House, Government House, Monday.
“I do willingly and judiciously but temporarily handover the government of Kano to the girl executive governor for this very important occasion.
“This is to ensure gender equality and participation and also to train our young ones especially girl in leadership position. So, I hand over,” he said.
The IDGC is celebrated October 11 every year following a resolution of United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 on December 19, 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girl’s right and to raise awareness on the unique challenges girls face around the world.
During the interaction session, Atika Aminu, acted as the governor of the state, promised to look into the girls’ education as paramount and create tuitions as scholarship for girls to be educate like male counterparts.
“We will look at the financial aspect to solve all our problems like providing instructional materials, infrastructures and facilities, giving tuition scholarship to girls, increasing science colleges, providing hygiene kits and employing female teachers.
“I want to assure you about our commitments to make the girl child as a proud and important member of the society.
“We pray to Almighty Allah fulfill all our promises and make Kano state an exemplary place as far as girl child education is concerned,” she said.
In his Good Will Message, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF, Mr. Maulid Warfa appreciated Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for agreeing to give his office in order to commemorate the IDGC in the state
“UNICEF is particularly pleased that H.E. Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has graciously agreed his office be taken over by a child as the high point of activities commemorating the IDGC.”
Mr. Maulid added that IDGC 2021 has given an opportunity for UNICEF to focus on two concerns: transition to secondary education for adolescent girls and digital literacy and digital access for adolescent girls.
He said, “Over 90% of jobs worldwide have a digital component. Yet, currently in Nigeria: 89% learners do not have access to home computer. 82% learners do not have internet: most of them girl.
“Only by addressing the inequality and exclusion that span geographies and generations can we usher in a digital revolution for all.”
He also called upon government, development partners, donors, the private sectors, traditional leaders, communities, stakeholders and everyone to pay attention on the challenges of adolescent girls’ transition to secondary school, and their limited access to digital literacy, digital skills and digital celebration.
At the end of the session, Atika Aminu handed over back the office to governor Ganduje.
She said, “Your Excellency, today the 11 of October, 2021 IDGC, I would like to handover back your office to your hand.”
Dr. Ganduje expressed his appreciation for the role she played while handling the affair of the state within some few minutes.
“Thank you, the girl, acting executive governor to Kano state during my step aside, during my absence, I witnessed how you ran the government and it was excellent.
“I watched your executive council session over the television and radio and I observed important discussions that took place during the executive council meeting.
“The issue of girl education, I think you acted it very well. And I am happy that all your commissioners participated fully and contributed to all the issues that you brought for the development of Kano state.
“So, I congratulate you and I think our girl child project and program in Kano state has been taken to the next level.
“And this is a memorable occasion. You are in the right path and in the right direction,” stated the governor.
