UNICEF Urges Greater Investment in Girls’ Education, Launches ‘Yes! Girl’ Podcast to Amplify Voices of Nigerian Adolescents

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for increased investment in girls’ education, expansion of adolescent-friendly services, and stronger inclusion of girls in policy discussions as part of efforts to advance the rights and wellbeing of women and girls in Nigeria.

UNICEF’s Adolescent Development Specialist, Ngozi Izuora-Songu, made the call during the “Yes! Girl” Podcast Watch Session held in Kano as part of activities marking the International Women’s Day 2026.

The event brought together adolescent girls, government representatives, civil society organizations (CSOs), and members of the media to listen to girls’ voices, reflect on their experiences, and explore solutions aimed at strengthening their rights, wellbeing, and leadership potential.

According to Izuora-Songu, the gathering also marked the official launch of the “Yes! Girl” Podcast, a youth-driven digital platform created by adolescent girls for their peers across Nigeria.

She explained that the podcast provides a safe and empowering space for girls aged 9 to 19 to openly discuss issues affecting their lives.

These include education, mental health, menstrual hygiene, HPV prevention, gender equality, leadership development, and climate action.

The UNICEF official noted that the initiative aligns with the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Rights.

Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” and seeks to shift the narrative from talking about girls to listening to them.

Izuora-Songu emphasized that many adolescent girls in Nigeria still face significant challenges such as school dropout, harmful gender norms, early marriage, limited access to health information, and a lack of safe spaces to express their views.

She added that digital storytelling platforms like the podcast can expand access to safe dialogue spaces, particularly in communities where open discussions about girls’ challenges are often limited.

While acknowledging progress by the Nigerian government in promoting women’s rights, Izuora-Songu highlighted three priority areas requiring stronger action: increased investment in girls’ education, expansion of adolescent-friendly services, and institutionalizing girls’ participation in policy-making processes.

Some adolescent participants, including Aisha Suraj, Sadiya Shuaibu, Maryam Aminu, and Aisha Ahmed, said the podcast has inspired them to believe that success is possible despite challenges through confidence, self-esteem, and self-respect.

Participants from civil society and the media also urged girls to become positive ambassadors in their communities, describing the initiative as a call to action to strengthen opportunities and rights for adolescent girls across Nigeria.