BY Samuel Akpan
Isabel Anani, a 16-year-old gender advocate, presided over plenary of the house of representatives on Thursday.
Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, allowed Anani to preside over proceedings of the green chamber for about 20 minutes to commemorate the 2024 International Day for the Girl Child.
In a statement on X, Abbas described the session as unprecedented.
“Today, history was made on the floor of the House of Representatives when I symbolically allowed a 16-year-old advocate, Ms. Isabel Anani, to preside over the plenary session, enabling her to conduct the session, the first of its kind in the history of the House of Representatives,” Abbas wrote.
“It is part of the celebration for this year’s International Day for the Girl Child. Women’s inclusion and participation in governance is at the heart of the 10th House Legislative Agenda.
“As a pioneering voice on Nigeria’s Technical Working Group for Adolescent Health and Wellbeing and UNICEF Young Influencer, Isabel’s passion ignites positive change. Selected through a rigorous nationwide search, Isabel’s leadership exemplifies the power of youth.”
Abbas said Anani’s “remarkable journey will undoubtedly inspire” her peers and younger ones.
“Let us recognise Isabel’s achievement and celebrate the unwavering spirit of Nigerian girls who courageously pursue their dreams despite adversity,” he added.
See photos below.
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