- Says Situation Worrisome
The wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, has warned schoolgirls and others against prostitution and drug abuse.
Jonathan gave the warning in Abuja, yesterday, at the National Female Students Conference and launching of maiden Magazine tagged, “The Face of Women’s Libbers.”
The event was organised by the National Association of Female Students (ANFS) as part of activities to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child.
Represented by Director-General, Women of Change Initiative, Mrs. Safiya Ogo, the former First Lady noted the involvement of young girls in all kinds of social vices.
She identified some of the ungodly activities as drug abuse, prostitution, girl child trafficking, alcoholism, cultism, cybercrimes, indecent dressing and rituals among others.
Jonathan, adopted as the Grand Matron of ANFS at the event, described the development as “worrisome”, adding that such absurd actions were taking a toll on young girls, particularly female undergraduate students.
“These practices are undoubtedly barriers to the achievement of the goals and aspirations of these girls and women.
“We also have had reports of young girls who are victims of yahoo’ rituals, resulting mostly from the quest for quick wealth.
“This craving for quick wealth can be achieved through hard work and selflessness, while maintaining one’s dignity as a woman,” she said.
Jonathan, therefore, urged the female students and others to shun prostitution, drug abuse and all manner of vices but instead be role models with dignity as women, wives and mothers.
She advised the ANFS to embark on a massive campaign to sensitise female students, including the males, to remain focused and law abiding for them to excel in their chosen careers.
Also, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration, stressed the need to celebrate the potential, resilience, and achievements of girls everywhere.
Benjamins-Laniyi, who was also adopted as the Matron of the association in FCT, described girls’ education as the cornerstone of societal progress.
According to her, education unlocks opportunities, breaks cycles of poverty, and fosters inclusive growth.
Similarly, founder and Executive Director, Helpline, Dr.Jumai Ahmadu, advised female students to continue to raise their voices for change through positive activism.
Ahmadu, however, stressed the need for the students to be serious with their academics and aspire for greatness.
Earlier, the National President of ANFS, Omoniyi Alice, said that the event was organised to discuss the future of female students across the world.
This, according to Alice, will ensure that female students are given every opportunity to succeed.
“As the future leaders of our society, it is crucial that our female students are given every opportunity to excel and be able to compete on a level playing field, free from discrimination or unfair barriers. (NAN)
