A book of stories written by young girls about their experiences during the Covid-19 lockdown has been launched in Abuja.
The book, which was compiled and published Helpline Foundation for the Needy, Abuja, is titled: “My Covid-19 Story, Voice of Hope & Resilience (A compilation of stories shared by African Teenage Girls across the World”.
Speaking at the public presentation in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of State FCT, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu charged young girls to remain resilient and to pursue their dreams.
Represented at the event by Deputy Director, Administration, Maria Ogbonnaya-Orji, she described the future of girls as very bright.
She explained that at FCT, the girl child is treated as equal that should be supported, noting that the present administration has created a centre that cases of abuses against girls and women could be reported and prompt action taken.
Dr. Aliyu commended the Helpline Foundation and its President, Dr Jumai Ahmad for their effort in supporting women and girls, and the needy in the society.
Earlier, Dr Ahmadu explained that the book was part of effort to document the experiences of girls during the Covid-19 lockdown.
She noted that the pandemic has had significant impact on the lives of everyone across the globe especially girls.
He added the Foundation would continue to advocate for the right of the girl child and other vulnerable persons in the society.
On his part, the book reviewer and the FCT Council Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche said the book represented authentic voices, honest and empathetic.
According to him, the book is a compilation of “30 voices filled with pathos, evoking strong emotions and conveying hopes and dreams speak of a moment that threatened to drown humanity and all that we love.
“Written in free flowing language, the stories paint a canvas of how each individual and their families, friends and community responded to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Because the voices are real and original, there are no embellishments in how the experiences are told.
“Sometimes they sound childlike, but most times they are unbelievable mature but honest”, he added.
Mr. Ogbeche also noted that the publication brought to fore “the challenges of the girl-child and the burden she faces which teenage pregnancy and being ‘mothers’ to their younger siblings”.
He stated that the compendium though “speaks of Voices of African Teenage Girls across the world, it basically draws from Nigeria and the expectation is that there will be a second edition to aptly capture the experiences of other teenage girls across the continent.
“I recommend this compilation to be included in the curriculum of FCT schools as it is a rich reservoir of learning not just about the coronavirus pandemic, but about the girl-child at a difficult time for the world.”
