Kabaka Urges Leaders To Keep Girls In School

At the event, participants from across the continent discuss the critical issue of keeping girls in school to complete primary and secondary education and find solutions from within the rich, diverse cultures and values of Africa’s thought leaders.

On his part, Sokoto Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III urged traditional and religious leaders to focus on the development of their communities; saying this is “a key factor in the development of our communities is the education of our girls.”

“I believe traditional and religious leaders will lead in shaping the future of Africa by ensuring all girls complete secondary school education and learn life and livelihood skills in the process,” he said.

For decades now, African governments and international development partners have been trying to improve and reduce suffering of the girl child as a result of child pregnancies and child birth. Sadly, very few improvements have been recorded in the health of women and children, despite studies showing that the health of children substantially improves when the mother is educated.

With poverty being one of the key drivers of keeping girls out of school, the Summit also seeks to promote incorporating in-school skills that generate income.

Completion of secondary education by girls has been found to significantly improve not only maternal and child health, but women’s decision-making, as well as their ability to earn a living; thus improving the health and nutrition of families and communities. The Summit thus provides a platform for community leaders to share ideas and best practices and develop strategies and networks to keep girls in school. It also serves as a means to sensitize and equip these leaders with the right skills to motivate parents and care givers to be deeply committed to ensuring all girls in their constituencies complete at least 12 years of education.