Chibok girls: Foundation urges FG to prioritise security, education for females

Forum 1 year ago

Chibok girls: Foundation urges FG to prioritise security, education for females

As the country observed the ninth year of the abduction of 275 girls in Chibok, Borno State, the Murtala Muhammed Foundation has urged the Federal Government to prioritise education for girls and women in the country.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Dr Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, made this disclosure in a statement issued on Friday as part of activities to mark the anniversary of the abduction carried out by Boko Haram on Friday.

The Development specialist and human rights activist hinted that a book authored by her and titled, “The Stolen Daughters of Chibok,” was released last week in the United States of America on April 4 by PowerHouse Books Inc., New York and is being released internationally on Friday, April 14, 2023, to mark the anniversary.

She said, “Following the abduction of 276 Chibok girls by Boko Haram in 2014, this book collects the families’ testimonies of loss and hope beginning in 2015 when none of their daughters had been found.

“As a collection of narratives, the book is a call to action for the restoration of balance in Nigeria’s Chibok community.

“It features photographs by award-winning photographer Akintunde Akinleye, interviews with the families, and chapters and excerpts by a team of experts, including journalists and psychologists, who have collaborated to create a comprehensive account and thorough examination of this tragedy.

“The forward for the book is written by the Chairman Board of Trustees of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo with essays on violence, gender, and more from writers, novelists, academics, public figures, including Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, Mozambique and South Africa’s former first lady, Graça Machel-Mandela, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, Bishop Mathew Kukah, Professor Femi Oyebode and beyond.

“The result is a heart-rending portrayal of the cost of this tragedy, which has touched the lives of communities in Nigeria and across the globe,” The NGO enthusiast added.

Muhammed-Oyebode reiterated that the Foundation is determined to work with partners to improve the status of women and girls around the globe prioritising safety, education, and economic opportunity.

She noted, “While progress has been made, it is evident that more needs to be done to develop clear routes that bring women and girls from conflict to safety.”

Continuing, the MMF CEO explained that “The Stolen Daughters of Chibok” is a tribute to the resilience and courage of the Chibok families, who have refused to relinquish hope despite adversity.

“This book should be read by anyone who cares about the fate of these brave girls and their families and anyone who believes in the transformative power of literature.

“The Murtala Muhammed Foundation is one of Nigeria’s largest charitable foundations with operational expertise across the six key geopolitical zones of the Federation and programs that address the most significant economic and social challenges of our time.

“As a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life of Africans, the Foundation focuses on engendering self-reliance and fulfilment by working tirelessly on policy and advocacy for issues that impact ethics, equity, good governance and economic empowerment, encouraging education, development, and providing disaster relief,” she maintained.