Patience Jonathan, wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, has advised schoolgirls against prostitution and drug abuse.

Mrs Jonathan gave the advice in Abuja on Monday at the National Female Students Conference and launched the maiden magazine tagged “The Face of Women’s Libbers.”

The National Association of Female Students (ANFS) organised the event as part of activities to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child.

Represented by Safiya Ogo, director-general of Women of Change Initiative, the former First Lady noted the involvement of young girls in all kinds of social vices.

She identified some of the ungodly activities as drug abuse, prostitution, girl child trafficking, alcoholism, cultism, cybercrimes, indecent dressing and rituals, among others.

Mrs Jonathan, adopted as the grand matron of ANFS at the event, described the development as “worrisome,” adding that such absurd actions were taking a toll on young girls, particularly female undergraduate students.

“We also have had reports of young girls who are victims of ‘Yahoo’ rituals, resulting mostly from the craving for quick wealth.

“This craving for quick wealth can be achieved through hard work and selflessness while maintaining one’s dignity as a woman,” she said.

Mrs Jonathan, therefore, urged the female students to shun prostitution, drug abuse and all manner of vices but instead be role models with dignity as women, wives and mothers.

“We live in a competitive world; therefore, in preparation for your future role, you must be well equipped and excel in your various professional callings.

“One way to equip our girls ahead of these positions is the girl-child education. This is because education is the key to development,” she said.

Also, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, mandate secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration, stressed the need to celebrate girls’ potential, resilience, and achievements everywhere.

Ms Benjamins-Laniyi, also adopted as the matron of the association in FCT, described girls’ education as the cornerstone of societal progress.

The national president of ANFS, Alice Omoniyi, said, “It is our responsibility as educators and leaders to ensure that our female students have the tools they need to succeed.”

Ms Alice called on relevant stakeholders to promote a culture of inclusion and respect for women in schools and universities.

(NAN)