Plan International Nigeria has distributed educational support kits (EduKits) to no fewer than 100 vulnerable girls in Makurdi, Benue State, as part of activities marking the 2026 Day of the African Child.
Speaking during the distribution, the organisation’s Director of Philanthropy and Business Development, Ms Sheila Ojei, said the initiative was aimed at improving access to education for vulnerable girls and encouraging them to remain in school.
Represented by Rufaidat Al-Siddiq, Ojei said each EduKit contained exercise books, pencils, rulers, stationery sets, journals, school uniform materials, water bottles, thermo flasks, backpacks and mini dignity kits.
She said the beneficiaries were drawn from Government Girls’ College, Makurdi, Mama Abayol Orphanage and the Children’s Parliament.
Ojei called on governments, development partners and the private sector to increase investments in girl-child education, describing it as a critical investment in the nation’s future.
According to her, educating girls generates long-term benefits for families, communities and the economy, as educated girls grow into women who contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Investing in one girl is equivalent to investing in an entire nation because educated girls become women who positively transform society,” she said.
She disclosed that Plan International Nigeria is implementing the initiative in partnership with the Benue State Government, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, IHS Towers and other stakeholders to ensure its sustainability and expansion.
Ojei expressed concern over Nigeria’s large population of out-of-school children, noting that girls are disproportionately affected by barriers to education arising from cultural and societal biases.
“We believe every girl has the potential to become a doctor, a leader and a professional. Our goal is to ensure girls can learn, lead, decide and thrive,” she said.
