By Stanley Onyekwere
The Helpline Social Support Initiative, Abuja, has dedicated its 2026 commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child to the life and legacy of the late Hon. Sakinah Suleiman, a passionate youth leader and former Speaker of the Voice of the Girls Parliament (VOGP).
Hon. Sakinah died following an illness. Born on the same day as the International Day of the Girl Child, she was remembered as a bright and exceptional young woman who dedicated her time, voice and energy to advocating for girls’ rights, education and civic engagement.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Amina Omale on behalf of the Voice of the Girls Parliament and the Helpline Social Support Initiative, Abuja.
In 2020, at the age of 16, Hon. Sakinah was elected Speaker of the VOGP after presenting a compelling manifesto to her peers, parents and coordinators.
Her leadership included presiding over debates, mentoring delegates and advocating improved access to healthcare and education for girls.
Recognising her remarkable maturity and leadership potential, the former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, had previously appointed her to serve as “Minister for a Day”.
To honour her memory, the Helpline Social Support Initiative plans to publish tributes in selected media outlets and engage policymakers and healthcare professionals on the urgent health challenges facing young girls.
“Despite battling illness, she continued advocating for others while pursuing her studies as a fourth-year nursing student committed to community healthcare,” the statement noted.
The President of the initiative, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, paid tribute to the late youth leader, describing her as an example of compassionate leadership.
“Hon. Sakinah reminded us what leadership rooted in compassion looks like. We dedicate this International Day of the Girl Child to her memory — to celebrate her achievements, carry forward her mission for girls’ rights, and ensure her voice continues to shape policies and lives,” she said.
The organisation called for targeted interventions to ensure that girls can pursue their ambitions without being exposed to preventable or life-threatening health risks.
It also urged governments, donors and communities to improve access to medical care for children and young people, strengthen school retention programmes for girls and establish safe spaces where they can develop their leadership skills.
A delegation of VOGP coordinators, Mrs. Jane Chinwe and Mrs. Amina Omale, visited the bereaved family to offer their condolences.
They were received by her father, Alhaji Suleiman, who expressed profound gratitude for his daughter’s purposeful and compassionate life and thanked the community for its overwhelming support.
The statement added that individuals interested in supporting the Voice of the Girls Parliament could volunteer as mentors or provide financial assistance for initiatives promoting girls’ education and health.
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