German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annet Gūnther, has called on the Nigerian government to make deliberate efforts toward creating opportunities and a strong framework for young women to thrive.
Gūnther made this appeal on Monday during a news conference in Abuja held to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl-child. She emphasized the need to support young women to take opportunities, adding that more chances for women contribute to a safer and more stable society.
The ambassador said the German government supports the reform of the Nigerian Police Force, noting that women play a key role in the process. She explained that the project goes beyond the idea of gender equality but focuses on building a Police Force that serves all citizens effectively.
On women’s inclusiveness, ‘A Day German Ambassador’, Miss Comfort Edmond, urged the Nigerian government to give more consideration to women in governance and other areas of nation building.
“When girls are given a chance, they build nations,” she said. “We all know that when a girl child is educated, she becomes a light that transforms her community, strengthens her family, and empowers the whole nation. Education is the line between limitation and liberation, and when we educate our girls, we transform generations.”
Edmond pointed out that one of the major challenges facing the girl-child in Nigeria is child marriage. She said Nigeria is home to over 25 million brides, the highest number in Africa.
She noted that some people still believe early child marriage helps to break the cycle of poverty, but she disagreed with this notion. “But I tell you today that there is no strongest tool like education to break the cycle of poverty,” Edmond said.
“Today, I speak not only for myself, but for millions of girls who are out there waiting for their dreams to be seen, heard and believed in. This moment, to me, is more than a title,” she added.
Edmond called on both the Nigerian and German governments to join forces and invest in safe and inclusive education systems that empower girls.
Also speaking at the event, Dr Helen Idiong, Director of Programme Quality and Influencing at Plan International Nigeria, said that many girls in the country continue to face serious challenges.
“Nigeria is the headquarters of child rights in Africa, yet every three girls married off before the age of 18, Nigeria has two, hence the need for more advocacy for girl-child education nationwide,” she said.
According to her, Plan International Nigeria is a child rights organization deeply committed to supporting and empowering girls. Idiong described the event as part of the series of activities marking the 2025 International Day of the Girl-child.
The day is celebrated every year on October 11 to honor the strength, resilience, and leadership of girls across the world. The theme for this year’s celebration is “The Girl I Am, the Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontline of Crisis.”