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By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA | Media360Impact Report
A representative of the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mohammed Ghali, has urged Nigerian girls to prepare for leadership positions, including becoming senators, members of the House of Representatives and even president of the country.
Ghali gave the advice at the 2026 Abuja Girls’ Children’s Parliament organised by the Lady Helen Child Health Foundation to mark the International Day of the Girl Child.
The event, held under the theme, “Every Girl Deserves the Right to Learn, Lead, and Choose Her Future,” brought together girls from six participating schools and youth groups for parliamentary debates and discussions on issues affecting their rights, education, health and development.
Addressing the young participants, Ghali welcomed the girls to the parliamentary platform and described them as important contributors to Nigeria’s future.
He encouraged them to look beyond their present circumstances and begin thinking about how they could contribute to national development.
“You are the leaders of tomorrow,” he said, urging the girls to recognise their potential to occupy important positions in government and public service.
Ghali told the participants that some of them could eventually become distinguished senators, members of the House of Representatives, vice-president or president of Nigeria.
He urged the girls to reflect on their future ambitions and consider how their knowledge, abilities and leadership could help move the country forward.
‘Put Nigeria First,’ Ghali Tells Girls
The National Assembly representative encouraged the young participants to develop a strong sense of responsibility towards the country and its future.
He urged them to think beyond the immediate expectations of society and consider the contributions they could make to national progress.
According to him, the girls should begin preparing themselves for future responsibilities by developing their ideas, building their confidence and recognising the importance of their voices in public affairs.
Ghali also assured the participants that their deliberations mattered, noting that some lawmakers were following the proceedings and that their messages could be communicated to relevant officials.
He said the opportunity to participate in parliamentary discussions should encourage the girls to take their leadership potential seriously.
His remarks reinforced the central message of the programme: that girls should have opportunities to participate in decision-making and prepare for leadership without being limited by harmful social expectations.
Girls’ Parliament Creates Space for Young Voices
Earlier, the Director of Programmes at the Lady Helen Child Health Foundation, Dr Francisca Odeka, described the parliamentary initiative as an opportunity for girls to move beyond passive participation and openly discuss issues affecting their lives.
She said the programme was designed to give the girls a platform to express their opinions, demonstrate their understanding of social challenges and present their ideas on matters relevant to their future.
Odeka welcomed the participants and encouraged them to take ownership of the proceedings, stressing that the occasion was an opportunity for adults and stakeholders to listen to them.
The Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Dr Benjamin Odeka, also described the Abuja Girls’ Children’s Parliament as a platform for participation, advocacy, evidence-based dialogue and policy engagement.
He said the foundation’s work includes research, health education, child rights promotion, adolescent health, mental wellbeing, menstrual hygiene and child protection.
According to him, the parliamentary platform allows girls to identify challenges, examine gaps in existing systems, propose solutions and communicate recommendations to policymakers.
He urged the young delegates to speak confidently, listen respectfully and develop practical ideas that could contribute to policies and programmes affecting their lives.
Six Schools Participate in Parliamentary Sessions
The 2026 Abuja Girls’ Children’s Parliament featured participants from Police Day Secondary School, Area 11; Government Secondary School, Kuje; Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3; Government Secondary School, Nyanya; Government Secondary School, Jikwoyi; and Girls Vanguard.
The sessions covered five thematic areas: education and accessibility; child marriage and protection; health, hygiene and dignity; voice and leadership; and digital skills and future opportunities.
The Girls Vanguard participants also presented a poem during the programme.
The event formed part of activities marking the International Day of the Girl Child, with a focus on investing in girls’ rights and ending child marriage.
Through the parliamentary discussions, the organisers sought to strengthen girls’ confidence, encourage critical thinking and create opportunities for young people to participate in conversations about policies affecting their future.
Ghali’s message added a national leadership dimension to the discussions, urging the girls to see themselves not merely as future beneficiaries of government policies but as potential lawmakers, public officials and decision-makers.
The programme highlighted the importance of giving girls the education, confidence, protection and opportunities needed to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
Credit: Media360Impact Report. Based on remarks by Mohammed Ghali, representing the Clerk of the National Assembly, and statements by officials of the Lady Helen Child Health Foundation at the 2026 Abuja Girls’ Children’s Parliament.
