Jul 17, 2009 - Opening Of The Federation Of University Women Of Africa (FUWA) Confernece On Girl-Child Education In Africa
It gives me great pleasure to be amongst great women of achievers, professionals and intellectuals who are gathered here this morning. On behalf of the government and good people of Lagos State, it is my pleasure to welcome you all particularly our guests from other countries including the IFUW President, Prof. Shriley Pandell to Nigeria and indeed our dear State, the centre of excellence and the commercial nerve centre of sub Saharan Africa. We note with great sense of pride and appreciation that this very important conference which I am informed, is the first in Nigeria, is holding here in Lagos.
It is an historical record that Lagos State has been in the forefront of education in Nigeria with the establishment of the first primary school in Badagry, as well as the first five foremost secondary schools which were established between 1859 and 1885.
I want to congratulate you on your individual achievements which have underscored the fact that women have the capacity to excel in all areas of human endeavour. More importantly, I want to commend you for taking upon ourselves the responsibility to use your education as a tool to inspire and empower fellow women and girls through lifelong education for leadership, decision making and peace building.
Girl child education, the focus of this very timely conference is very apt because it is one of the major obstacles militating against the full realisation of the potentials of women in Africa. We need to sustain the advocacy for girl child education because it is in the best interest of the development and growth of the continent. As nurturers of generations, an educated woman is no doubt, better positioned to raise well educated future leaders with a vision of a better and peaceful world.
In Lagos State, education is being given top priority under the administration of His Excellency, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN. In the last two years, a lot of efforts have been put into revitalising the public education system with various ongoing projects that are aimed at providing conducive learning environment for quality education. Steps are also being taken to sensitize everyone on the existing child rights law particularly the part that guarantees the right of every child, male or female, to education.
Given the enormity of the task of ensuring quality education for the increasing high number of school age children in the state, there is clear need for collaboration and support from organisation and individuals. This was the focus of the recently held 2nd education summit which brought together all stakeholders in the education sector to rub minds and develop new strategies that will meet the challenges of the sector in the 21st century.
It is my hope that Lagos State will benefit immensely from the informed ideas and recommendation that will result from this conference. Once again, I welcome you all and wish you a pleasant stay in Lagos and fruitful deliberations and a memorable experience of Lagos State.
Thank you and God bless you all.
Eko o ni baje o.
Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State