A Non-Governmental Organisation, Helpline Social Support Initiative, HSSI, has announced plans to honour late Hon. Sakinah Suleiman, a former Speaker of the Voice of the Girls Parliament, VOGP, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
Suleiman, who died following an illness, was celebrated for her advocacy for girls’ rights, education and civic engagement, which she sustained while pursuing her nursing studies despite her health challenges.
The announcement was contained in a statement by Amina Omale on behalf of VOGP and HSSI in Abuja.
Elected speaker in 2020 at the age of 16, Suleiman earned the position after presenting her manifesto to fellow delegates, parents and programme coordinators.
During her tenure, she led debates, mentored delegates and campaigned for improved access to healthcare and education for girls.
Her leadership qualities also earned her an appointment as “Minister for a Day” by the former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu.
According to the statement, Suleiman remained committed to advocating for others while battling illness and studying in her fourth year of nursing, with a focus on community healthcare.
“Despite battling illness, she continued advocating for others while pursuing her studies as a fourth-year nursing student dedicated to community health care,” the statement noted.
HSSI President, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, said the organisation was dedicating the celebration to Suleiman’s memory to recognise her achievements and sustain her advocacy for girls.
“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.”
As part of the commemoration, HSSI plans to publish tributes in selected media outlets and engage policymakers and healthcare workers on urgent health challenges facing young girls.
The organisation also called for targeted interventions to protect girls from preventable and fatal health risks, urging governments, donors and communities to improve access to medical care for children and young people.
It further advocated stronger measures to keep girls in school and create safe platforms where they can develop leadership skills and participate in decision-making.
In a show of support for the bereaved family, VOGP coordinators, Mrs. Jane Chinwe and Mrs. Amina Omale, visited the family to offer their condolences.
They were received by Suleiman’s father, Alhaji Suleiman, who expressed gratitude for his daughter’s purposeful and compassionate life and thanked the community for its overwhelming support.
HSSI also urged supporters to sustain the late speaker’s legacy by volunteering as mentors or providing financial assistance for girls’ education and healthcare initiatives through the Voice of the Girls Parliament.
