Education a panacea for Girl-child development this was the topic of Paper presentation by Ambassador Satmak Dapar President, ‘ Afri-Solution Project’ at KADA Special Academy Dengi, Kanam Local Government on the 19th March 2022.
The Kanam Development Association KADA Special Academy Dengi is a community school own by the Kanam Development Association which provides free education to students who are orphans and indigent from JSS 1 – SS3.
Speaking at the event, the Guest speaker Ambassador Satmak Dapar who is a veteran Journalists, CEO Satisprime media and a public speaker said “One of the primary reasons why I accepted to be the keynote speaker today was because of the richness and quality of the theme. Many things in life inspire me. In fact, for the most part, I feel intensely motivated whenever the word education is brought to the front burner of public discourse. On the other hand, I am inspired as well by what young women can do based on their capacities, intellect, strength and influence to improve our world. Firstly, let me be very clear and frank. I do not believe in the widely-held impression that women should be pinned down on account of their gender. In as much as I advocate for respect based on family, leadership and social hierarchy, I make bold to say that women constitute also a large chunk of the components for a greater society. Seated in this hall today are young girls with the dreams, hopes and aspirations to be who God wants them to be. More importantly, they are all created in the beautiful image of God. Should we because of some mundane and narrow-minded interests have their rights, privileges, visions, dreams and goals suppressed because they are girls? The answer is a resounding no. Any plot, attempts, clandestine moves, overt and covert mission not supportive of the growth and development of the girl-child are clearly not welcomed and must be therefore relegated. They are our girls, sisters, aunties, mothers and above all God’s children. During the recent International Women’s day celebration, the ECO Bank wrote powerfully and I quote, “We are committed to helping create and Africa where gender equality is the norm. Women deserve equal opportunities – to grow up confidently and positively contribute to our economies.” And according to Flavour the famous musician, “A good woman is a blessing from the Lord. She’s not found in the market.” How true!”

Satmak also said “Around the world and down through the ages of human history, women have played and still play exemplary, visionary and courageous roles in proffering solutions to the most difficult problems confronting humanity.

The speaker further said Examples abound. Rosa Parks was a prominent voice and symbol of courage in the civil rights movement, according to CNN. Her act of defiance had ignited the movement, according to the National Women’s History Museum, and her continued activism in Detroit United States added to her legacy in the fight against injustice and discrimination. Rosa Parks although death but found a solution and her legacies live on. Further, In 2021, Kamala Harris made history when she became vice president of the United States — the first woman, the first Black person and the first Asian American to hold the nation’s second-highest office. According to sources, Opra Winfrey a woman is the most popular woman in the world globally, and her net worth is estimated to be around $2.6 Billion. Again, Nobel Prize-winning scientist Marie Curie tops ‘women who changed the world’ list. Scientist Marie Curie is seen as the woman who has had the most significant impact on world history, according to a new poll conducted by the BBC. Inspiringly, our very own daughter from Plateau State based in the UK whom I am personally proud of Katmaan Senlong founded the Rupetta Academy making exploits in education and philanthropy. How about the likes of Malala Yousafzai, Ms. Zuriel Oduwole who founded the “Dream up, Speak Up, Stand Up” Initiative making boundless impacts globally. The list can continue ceaselessly.

The points and references I just made should give us a cue, motivation and direction that there are benefits – far reaching benefits and endless hope in investing hugely and educating the girl-child. We shouldn’t contemplate doing it. It is non-negotiable. We must invest in the girl-child because it is what should be done. That’s the way forward. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

We in “Afri-Solution Project” a non-governmental organization founded on the truth and principle of respect for human rights, expanding frontiers of education, peace and justice take very seriously and dear to our hearts efforts frantically made by persons of concern and groups to bridge the gap, remove all barriers to the progress and development of the girl-child as well as uplift women to be change makers. These are what we are here for and these are what we’ve been called to do.

In addition, it all depends on how you see education literally and figuratively speaking.  However, my viewpoint might differ from yours. My conviction is that education must be free and accessible – formal or informal for that matter. This must be articulated as a matter of right and not a privilege. The Girl-Child shouldn’t be denied the opportunity to get educated. She needs it as much as her male counterparts. In it, she finds a solution. In it, she draws strength, power, and influence. Through education, the girl-child explores multiple options to be successful in leadership, career, politics, and other ramifications of life. Begin to see her as someone who has all it takes to make a difference. They have their problems as well but I believe the problems are not unsurmountable. They can be criticized, rebuked, and corrected within the framework of the law so they can improve and do better.

The girl-child’s desire to succeed shouldn’t be quenched. I enjoin all of us to be the candle and glowing light that illuminate and radiate her path to a promising future. With our moral support, solidarity and encouragement, the girl-child can dust herself up, regain her moral conscience and begin to do what she needs to do so as to re-imagine, re-create, re-invent and retool today for the betterment of her tomorrow. All the clogs in the wheel of Nigeria’s educational progress must be removed surely and fast. It makes no sense to me shutting down institutions of learning due to incessant disagreements between the government and teachers. The students are always at the receiving end and this has no justification. The government should be seen to take responsibility and amend broken fences for the sake of conscience and posterity because tomorrow matters ultimately.

Ambassador Satmak concludedicated by throwing a challenge to the political class, he said “what legacies would you like to leave when you quit the corridors of power? Be mindful of the promises made. Promises are meant to be kept and fulfilled. Our students are faced with educational backwardness, poverty and situations where they have no option than to attend classes in horrible, squalid and bone-chilling conditions. I hope we will change for the better. I look forward to seeing the girl-child developing into brilliant agents of change. I look forward to partnering with the girl-child to change the world. I look forward to seeing all of you seated here working assiduously to invest and sustain the legacies that carry the banner of the girl-child far above the skies and building a future of hope, decency and prosperity for all of the members of humanity.
I feel honored to be here today and for having the time to share my thoughts and ideas to you all. I am thankful for your kind attention.

count | 118

I do not Believe in the widely-held impression that women should be pinned down on account of their Gender- Satmak Dapar