Hon. Kingsley Ifeanyi Ekwuruibe, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Umuahia South State Constituency in the 2027 Abia State House of Assembly election, has called for greater commitment to the education, protection, welfare and empowerment of the girl child.
Ekwuruibe made the call in a message marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, with the theme, Celebrating Her Potential, Protecting Her Rights, Empowering Her Future.
He described every girl child as a symbol of hope, a bearer of dreams and a potential agent of positive transformation, stressing the need to create a society where girls can live with dignity, learn without barriers and pursue their aspirations without fear.
The PDP candidate noted that the annual observance should go beyond celebration to inspire practical action by parents, community leaders, educators, policymakers and other stakeholders towards safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of girls.
On education, Ekwuruibe emphasised that every girl deserves access to quality learning, a safe educational environment, adequate learning materials and opportunities to develop her talents.
He maintained that poverty, discrimination, neglect and limited opportunities should not prevent girls from pursuing their dreams, adding that they should be encouraged to excel in professions such as medicine, law, education, science, entrepreneurship, public service and politics.
According to him, educating girls equips them with the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to make informed decisions, contribute to their families’ welfare and participate meaningfully in community development.
Ekwuruibe also stressed the importance of protecting girls from abuse, exploitation, child marriage, harmful discrimination and all forms of violence capable of undermining their physical, emotional and intellectual development.
He urged families and communities to create safe environments where girls can speak out against threats, have their concerns taken seriously and receive the necessary support and protection.
The Umuahia South State Constituency hopeful further called for greater recognition of girls as active participants in community development rather than merely beneficiaries of social interventions.
He advocated increased opportunities for girls in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, technology, civic engagement and leadership development, noting that gender stereotypes should not limit their aspirations or undermine their potential.
Ekwuruibe stated that Umuahia South and Abia State needed a future in which every child had a fair opportunity to succeed, irrespective of family background or economic circumstances.
He reaffirmed the importance of sustained attention to education, social welfare, equal opportunities and the protection of vulnerable members of society, urging families, civil society organisations, community stakeholders and public institutions to work together towards achieving these goals.
The PDP candidate urged the public to move beyond commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child annually and embrace the responsibility of supporting girls throughout the year through education, encouragement, protection and investment in their future.
He noted that an educated girl could become a leader who transforms her community, while a protected and empowered girl could grow into a woman capable of inspiring future generations.
Ekwuruibe called on parents, guardians, teachers, community leaders and public officials to support a future where every girl is safe, educated, respected and given the opportunity to fulfil her potential.
He wished girls across Umuahia South, Abia State and Nigeria a happy International Day of the Girl Child.
Our Girls, Our Hope. Their Opportunities, Our Responsibility. Their Success, Our Collective Pride.
Hon. Kingsley Ifeanyi Ekwuruibe
PDP Candidate, Abia State House of Assembly
Umuahia South State Constituency | 2027
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Courtesy: Chris Favy
