The Plateau state branch of the National Library of Nigeria, in collaboration with The Women and Girl Child Rescue and Development Initiative and Better Class Environment joined the world in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child. The event which took place at the premises of the Branch in Jos, had students from 20 secondary schools and other invited guests in attendance. S peaking at the event, the Head of Branch, Mrs Sarah Emmanuel Mshelia stated that the National Library of Nigeria organized the programme to expose participants, especially the girl-child on basic knowledge of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and other skills which will enable them to be useful to themselves and to the society.
The Executive Director of the Women and Child Rescue and Development Initiative, Mrs Bridget Dalkyes stated that the training will be beneficial to the participants by getting them acquainted with technological development especially in the areas of information communication technology (ICT) and other skills. She said that the girl child possessed lots of potentials which should be celebrated. Also addressing the students, the Director of Zamani Environmental Foundation, Mr. Zeenet Zamani enlightened them on the best way to maintain a conducive environment and keep their surroundings clean. He promised to set up a garden in the premises of the participating schools to give their school a nice look. Other guests at the event were; the Convener of Change Makers, Rev. Toyin Wiggins, the Chairman, Nigeria Library Association Plateau state chapter, Mr. Daship Na’angap and Mrs Sandra Adik, the leader of the Better Class Environment. The International Girl Child Day is an annual event celebrated globally on October 11th to advocate for the rights of the girl-child and amplify their voices.
The day is also mapped out to kick against gender-based challenges faced by young girls and adolescents around the world. Issues like child marriage, discrimination against girl child education, violence and other ill-treatment against the girl child are given prominent attention.
