By CECILIA OLOGUNAGBA

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and UN Messenger of Peace, Malala Yousafzai has marked the tenth anniversary of her notable speech in Nigeria.

Yousafzai is in Nigeria with the UN Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed.

UN Spokesperson, Mr Stéphane Dujarric disclosed this at a news conference on Tuesday at UN headquarters in New York.

“The UN deputy chief is there with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and UN Messenger of Peace, Malala Yousafzai.

“They are spotlighting the importance of girls’ access to quality education.

“On the occasion of Malala Day, they marked the tenth anniversary of Malala’s notable speech at the UN at an event today in Abuja.

“They acknowledged the progress made in education while stressing that more needs to be done in every part of the world.

“They also visited local schools,” he said.

Earlier, the girl-child education activist paid a courtesy call on Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno in Maiduguri, where she expressed happiness over her second visit to Maiduguri to propagate girl-child education.

“They (girls) are so determined, dedicated and optimistic about a better future.

“I am celebrating 10 years of my UN speech and will be celebrating my 26 birthday tomorrow (Wednesday).

“Ever since my UN speech, I have been travelling to different countries around the world because I want to bring stories of other girls.

“People heard my story and realised how it is for one girl to have education, so we want to remind the world to think of other millions of girls who do not have access to education,” Malala said.

She urged for more investment by leaders in education for maximum results.

The UN deputy secretary-general, Amina Mohammed, who led the delegation to Borno, said the delegation decided to start its visit in Borno before proceeding to Abuja.

“We started this visit in Borno and will end the visit in Abuja where she (Malala) will meet many policy makers and activists she has nurtured or inspired.”

Mohammed who lauded Borno Government efforts in rebuilding the state, said that the UN would in September take stock of the journey so far in the implementation of SDGs on education and gender.

Responding, Zulum commended UN and Malala Foundation for their support to girl-child education in the state.

He noted that Malala Foundation, among others, rehabilitated 27 classrooms and provided scholarship to 700 girls from Konduga, Gubio and Damboa LGAs, whose schools were destroyed by insurgents.

“The foundation also gave two years scholarship to 30 of the 35 Chibok girls that first escaped Boko Haram abduction.

“I wish to express our appreciation for the contribution you have made to education sector in Borno state,” the governor said.

He pledged sustained partnership with UN and Malala Foundation on enrolling and retaining the girls to explore their full potentials. (NAN)

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