The Federal Government (FG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Plan International to advance the critical goals of promoting gender equality, safeguarding the rights of the girl child, and implementing impactful initiatives for sustainable change.
Omolara Esan, the Information and Public Relations Officer of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, disclosed in a statement that the MoU was signed by the Ministry State Minister, Ayodele Olawande, in Abuja.
Olawande reflected on his previous visit to the Plan International office with his team a few months ago, where it became evident that both parties shared common objectives and visions for the growth and empowerment of Nigerian youth.
He further emphasised that the collaboration will prioritise promoting gender equality, protecting the girl child, and enhancing the overall development, well-being, and health of the youth, recognizing the challenges they face in achieving their full potential.
He said: “As we sign the agreement to work together more collaboratively starting today, our primary mission remains the same, to empower the Nigerian youth to become self-reliant, socially responsible, and active contributors to the development of our country.
“We will work with Plan International to enhance the protection and promotion of girlsrights. Coincidentally, tomorrow is the International Day of the Girl Child, and to celebrate the occasion, I will be vacating my seat for the winner of this year’s IDG Essay Competition to serve as a Minister for the day.”
The Minister added that the collaboration underscores his and the Ministry’s commitment to nurturing leadership capacity among girls and ensuring they have avenues to actively engage in decision-making processes.
He highlighted that the recently signed MoU with Plan International will prioritise several critical areas, including youth empowerment and leadership development, education and skills training, health and well-being (with a focus on sexual and reproductive health), protection from violence, exploitation, and abuse, and the promotion of gender equality and inclusion.
In his remarks, Charles Usie, Country Director of Plan International, noted that the platform is part of the global organization’s mission, established 85 years ago, to advocate for the rights of girls and foster equality for young people across 75 countries.
He further stressed that the MoU should not be seen as a mere ceremonial gesture but as a firm and genuine commitment to the government.
Usie noted that this agreement opens the door to invaluable resources and opportunities for the organization and should be regarded as a pivotal step forward.
