I celebrate every girl child on this year’s International Day of the Girl Child. As an administrator, father and grandfather, I remain firmly committed to protecting the rights and welfare of every girl, promoting access to quality education and creating opportunities for them to dream, grow and fulfil their potential.

I believe every girl deserves a safe childhood, the freedom to pursue her aspirations and the support to build a brighter future. I will continue to champion efforts to protect girls from harmful practices, including child marriage and ensure they are empowered to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

Investing in the girl child is not charity; it is the surest investment in our collective future. When we keep a girl in school, shield her from harm and believe in her ability, we strengthen her family, her community and the nation. Let us all, as parents, leaders and citizens, stand together to ensure that no girl is denied her right to learn, to be safe and to lead. Today, and every day, I renew my pledge to stand with her.

𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐩𝐞, 𝐟𝐌𝐇𝐑

𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧,

𝐁𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭