By Omoyeni Ojeifo
Ahead of the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, Foreign Affairs Minister Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has called on young girls to chase their dreams, step into leadership roles, and reject any limits on their potential.
In a message emailed to PerSecondNews on Friday to mark the annual observance which honors girls and champions their rights, empowerment, and leadership the Minister reflected on her own journey as a woman.
Acknowledging that the path is rarely easy, she urged girls never to let society, circumstances, or critics dictate the boundaries of their ambition.
“To every girl with a dream in her heart: your voice matters, your dreams are valid, and your possibilities are limitless,” she said.
The Minister urged girls to “Learn. Dream. Dare. Lead,” encouraging them to take their place with confidence and never apologise for aspiring to greatness.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu celebrated the strength, brilliance and promise of every girl in Nigeria and across the world.
“Today, I celebrate the strength, brilliance and promise of every girl in Nigeria and across the world,” she added.
The minister also reminded girls that their voices have a role to play in shaping the future, urging them to rise and claim their place in it.
“The future needs your voice. Rise and claim your place in it.”
PerSecondNews reports that the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child will be marked under the theme, “End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights.”
The annual observance highlights the rights, opportunities and potential of girls globally.