The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) is to launch a Girl-Child Education Volunteers’ Advocates (GICEVA) initiative to promote girl-child enrolment in schools in local governments across Nigeria.

According to a statement by Ebenezer Leo, head of the NGF education department in Abuja, the initiative is designed to engage volunteers in advocating for girls’ education.

Mr Leo said the initiative would be launched during the forum’s forthcoming two-day international conference on girl child education, scheduled for October 10 and 11 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, the conference aims to strengthen partnerships among government agencies, NGOs, and international organisations to work collaboratively toward ensuring quality education for every girl in Nigeria.

He added that the unveiling of the girl-child ambassadors would celebrate the academic successes of top graduates. He said it would also empower them to advocate for girls’ education in their states, with coordination provided by an overall ambassador for a one-year term.

Mr Leo further revealed that the conference agenda includes presentations from development partners and donor agencies, who would discuss the current landscape of girl-child education in Nigeria, highlighting trends, challenges, and potential solutions.

“The event will conclude with a significant signing ceremony, where state education commissioners will endorse the declaration of education financing, thereby reinforcing their dedication to improving girl-child education in Nigeria.

“The anticipated outcomes of this conference are substantial. The establishment of GICEVA is expected to enhance advocacy efforts for girl child education, mobilising more volunteers to engage in promoting education at the grassroots level.

“The signing of the declaration will solidify the government’s commitment to supporting and funding girl-child education initiatives,” he said.

(NAN)