Oluwatobi Adu 
ENUGU, Nigeria — A lawmaker in Enugu State calls for renewed commitment to girls’ education, describing it as a cornerstone for leadership development, gender equality and sustainable national growth.
The appeal comes from the Deputy Chief Whip of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Obiajulu Ugwu, during a special workshop held on Friday for secondary school students from Enugu South Local Government Area.
Ugwu urges parents, educators and policymakers to prioritise the education and personal development of young girls, aligning the effort with global standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“We are not competing with men; we are complementing them,” Ugwu says. “Development thrives when opportunities are balanced and inclusive.”
She explains that the workshop focuses on leadership skills, personal development and nutrition, exposing participants to insights from accomplished women across various professions.
According to Ugwu, narrowing the educational gap between boys and girls remains essential for community advancement and economic resilience.
Guest speaker Chukwuma Okenwa encourages students to overcome social and economic barriers in their pursuit of education, stressing that knowledge empowers women to occupy strategic leadership roles.
“When families suppress female education, they harm their own future,” Okenwa says.
Nutrition expert Onyeka Udegbunam highlights the link between healthy diets and cognitive development, urging schools to revive gardens to address nutritional deficiencies among students.
Observers say initiatives such as the workshop reflect growing recognition of girls’ education as a driver of long-term societal transformation.
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Korede Abdullah 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Otamere Gladness