The Helpline Social Support Initiative has dedicated the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child to the memory of late Hon. Sakinah Suleiman, a former Speaker of the Voice of the Girl’s Parliament (VOGP). Suleiman, who died following an illness, embodied courage, compassion, and commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of girls despite her personal health challenges. Her birthday coincided with the International Day of the Girl Child.
Suleiman was remembered for her advocacy for girls’ education, access to healthcare, and participation in civic activities. At just 16, she was elected Speaker of the VOGP in 2020 after presenting a manifesto to fellow young people, parents, and programme coordinators. During her tenure, she led parliamentary debates, mentored delegates, and championed improved access to health and educational opportunities for girls.
The dedication was announced in a statement issued by Amina Omale on behalf of the Voice of the Girl’s Parliament and the Helpline Social Support Initiative in Abuja. The statement noted that Suleiman remained committed to her advocacy despite battling an illness, while pursuing her studies as a fourth-year nursing student with a passion for community healthcare.
President of the Helpline Social Support Initiative, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, described the late youth leader as an example of compassionate leadership whose contributions should inspire renewed efforts to protect girls and expand opportunities for them. Ahmadu said Suleiman reminded us what leadership rooted in compassion looks like, and her voice continues to shape policies and lives.
As part of activities to honour her legacy, the organisation plans to publish tributes in selected media outlets and engage policymakers and healthcare professionals on pressing health challenges affecting girls and young women. It also called on governments, development partners, donors, and communities to strengthen access to medical care for children and young people.
The organisation further advocated targeted interventions to enable girls to pursue their ambitions without avoidable health risks, alongside stronger school-retention measures and the creation of safe spaces where young people can develop leadership skills. A delegation of VOGP coordinators visited Suleiman’s family to express their condolences, and the organisation urged individuals and groups to support the Voice of the Girl’s Parliament.
The organisation said preserving Suleiman’s legacy would require collective action to ensure that girls have access to the opportunities, support, and protection needed to fulfil their potential. Individuals and groups willing to sustain the late youth leader’s vision can support the Voice of the Girl’s Parliament through volunteering, mentorship, and financial contributions towards initiatives focused on girls’ education and healthcare.
Key points
- The Helpline Social Support Initiative dedicated the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child to Sakinah Suleiman, advocating for improved healthcare, education, and leadership opportunities for girls.
- Suleiman, a former Speaker of the Voice of the Girl’s Parliament, embodied courage, compassion, and commitment to advancing girls' rights and welfare despite her personal health challenges.
- The organisation plans to publish tributes and engage policymakers to address pressing health challenges affecting girls and young women.
