Jonathan congratulates Malala, co-winner of Nobel Prize

President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday congratulated Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi, the co-recipient of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize.

Malala, 17, is a Pakistani child education activist, who was shot in the head by Taliban gunmen in October 2012 for campaigning for girl-child education.

In July, she visited Nigeria to push for the release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls during which she met with Jonathan and secured his commitment to meet with the girls’ parents.

Satyarthi, on the other hand, is a 60-year old Indian child rights campaigner, who led various forms of peaceful protests against grave exploitation of children for financial gain.

Jonathan, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, said that Malala and co-winner were worthy recipients of the Noble Peace Prize.

This, according to him, is in view of their “globally-acclaimed and courageous advocacy against bigotry, discrimination, oppression and extremism even in the most difficult of circumstances”.

“The president, who recalls his meeting with Malala earlier this year when she visited Nigeria, salutes her indomitable spirit, resilience, courage and conviction in promoting young girls’ right to education.

“Jonathan similarly commends Satyarthi’s peaceful campaign against human trafficking and abuse of children as slave labourers.

“He urged others with grievances around the world to emulate his method of non-violent protests.

“The president enjoins both Nobel laureates to draw greater strength from the global honour and recognition which the Nobel Peace Prize represents.

“He urges them to carry on their brave advocacy for the rights of girls, women and oppressed persons with renewed vigour and impetus.”

According to the statement, Jonathan assured both winners that he fully shared their belief and views on gender equity and the protection of the rights of young persons.

He further assured them that the Federal Government would continue to promote safe education for all children and the empowerment of women under his leadership.

The president also reiterated his administration’s commitment to the protection of young children from forced labour and human trafficking.