Mrs. Patience Jonathan, the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, has urged female students to steer clear of drug abuse and prostitution.
Speaking in Abuja during the National Female Students Conference and the launch of the inaugural edition of the magazine titled “The Face of Women’s Libbers,” Jonathan emphasized the growing concerns about social vices affecting young women.
The event, organized by the National Association of Female Students (ANFS), was part of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child celebrations.
Represented by Mrs. Safiya Ogo, the Director-General of Women of Change Initiative, Jonathan highlighted the alarming involvement of schoolgirls in harmful behaviors such as drug abuse, prostitution, human trafficking, alcoholism, cultism, cybercrime, indecent dressing, and rituals, among other issues.
Appointed as the Grand Matron of ANFS at the event, she described the trend as deeply troubling, stressing the adverse effects these activities have on young women, especially female university 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 crave 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 urged female students to steer clear of prostitution, drug abuse, and other vices, encouraging them instead to embrace their roles as dignified women, wives, and mothers, and to become role models for others.
She also called on the ANFS to launch a widespread campaign aimed at educating both female and male students, stressing the importance of staying focused and adhering to the law to achieve success in their chosen careers.
“You are not only the future mothers and wives of this country, but also future leaders, businesswomen, heads of parastatals and captains of industries.
“We live in a competitive world, therefore, in preparation for your future role, you must be well equipped and excel in your various professional callings.
“One way to equip our girls ahead of these positions is the girl-child education. This is because education is the key to development,” she said.
Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration, emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the strength, potential, and accomplishments of girls globally.
Benjamins-Laniyi, who was also named Matron of the association in the FCT, highlighted the pivotal role of education in shaping society. She noted that education not only opens doors to opportunities but also helps to break the cycle of poverty and promotes inclusive development.
In the same vein, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, founder and Executive Director of Helpline for…, encouraged female students to continue advocating for change through constructive activism.
She also underscored the importance of taking their education seriously and aiming for excellence.
Earlier, Omoniyi Alice, the National President of ANFS, explained that the event was organized to discuss the future of female students worldwide, ensuring they are granted every chance to achieve success.
“We live in a world that is rapidly changing, and it is essential that we adapt our education system to meet these changes.
“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.
“We must also provide our female students with the resources they need to succeed. These include access to quality education, mentorship programmes, and scholarships.
“It is our responsibility as educators and leaders to ensure that our female students have the tools they need to succeed,” she added.
Alice also urged key stakeholders to foster an environment that embraces inclusion and respect for women within schools and universities.
“This means creating an environment where women feel safe and supported, where they are valued for their contributions and their ideas.
“We must also challenge the traditional gender roles that have limited women’s opportunities in the past,” the president said.
Safiya Sarki, the founder and inaugural president of the association, highlighted that ANSF was created to amplify the voices of female students. She noted that this initiative was a direct response to the male-dominated structure of the National Association of Nigerian Students, where women are limited to just two out of 15 leadership roles.