Wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, has challenged the girl-child to be innovative and acquire problem-solving skills that will make them employable and competitive.

She also advocated for increased access to quality education to empower the girl-child, especially in the rural and hard-to-reach communities in the State.

Lady Valerie Fubara gave the challenge while speaking on the topic, “Career Choices and Development for Young Girls in the 21stCentury,” at the 30thanniversary of the Old Girls’ Association of the Class of ’94, Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girls’ Secondary School, Elelenwo in Port Harcourt, on Friday.

Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Roseline Uranta, the State’s First Lady, emphasized the importance of making good career choices, such as taking up vocational and entrepreneurship training to empower the girl-child to become leaders, innovators, and change-makers.

According to her, exposing the girl-child to careers that are centred on creative industry, entrepreneurship and small business development, technology and innovation will go a long way in equipping them for a brighter future.

Lady Valerie Fubara reaffirmed the commitment of the State Government to empowering young girls, and urged policy makers to implement programmes and policies that will promote the girl-child education and empowerment.

Highlights of the event were the presentation of an award of appreciation to Lady Valerie Fubara and the cutting of cake to celebrate the 30thanniversary of the Class of 94.

•PHOTO: Representative of Wife of Rivers State Governor and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Roseline Uranta (left); receiving an Appreciation Award on behalf Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara during the 30thanniversary celebrations of the Adorable Class of ’94, ACMGS, Elelenwo near Port Harcourt on Friday.