By Abbas Bamalli
Stakeholders in Katsina State have pledged to take all necessary steps to sustain the “Empowering Adolescents to Make Informed Choices” (REACH) project.
The two-year initiative focuses on supporting adolescent girls through education, life skills, and protection from violence and exploitation.
The project, supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) through its Girls-for-Girls programme, has received broad backing from state officials, civil society, and community members.
Speaking on Monday, Alhaji Lawal Yaro, member of the Katsina State House of Assembly, representing Musawa Constituency and Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, said the legislature was committed to the project’s continuity.
“In the 2025 budget, a huge amount has been allocated to the education sector.
“Our oversight functions, through committees on education, finance, and appropriation, will ensure the funds are used as intended.”
Yaro also called on the public to support the project, emphasising that collective efforts were essential for sustainability.
Similarly, Hajiya Halima Lawal, a member of the High Level Women Advocates (HILWA), assured continued support from the organisation, which had long promoted female role models in various professions.
“HILWA is fully committed to this cause, with or without external intervention.
“We showcase women in careers once considered out of reach in Katsina, like police officers, soldiers, pilots, and civil defense personnel, to inspire young girls,” Lawal said.
She stressed that such visibility helped change cultural norms and encouraged girls to dream bigger and stay in school.
Earlier, Mr Michael Banda, Officer in Charge at UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, urged beneficiaries to become ambassadors of the programme.
“Be role models in your schools, homes, and communities. That is the true meaning of sustainability, not continued funding.
“The future of Katsina rests on your shoulders. Keep dreaming big and making healthy choices,” he said.
Hajiya Maijidda Kai-Kai, UNICEF focal person at the Katsina State Universal Basic Education Board, listed the benefiting Local Government Areas as Mani, Rimi, Baure, Kankara, Malumfashi, and Kafur.
She explained that the project also aimed to ensure enrolment, retention, transition, and completion of both primary and secondary education for children.
One of the beneficiaries, Nazira Hassan, expressed how the project changed her life.
She said previously hawking in Kankara, she was inspired to return to school after seeing her peers in uniform.
“I’m now in Junior Secondary School Two and hope to go even further.
“I’ve learned to read and write, and how to care for myself during my menstrual period and beyond.
“I now have hope and a dream, to become a university graduate,” she said.
NAN
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