Abuja:A Non-governmental Organisation, the Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF), has made a call to abolish early girl child marriage in Nigeria. This appeal was made during an event in Abuja commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child, part of the Girls Rights, Education and Protection (G-REAP) project funded by the Ford Foundation. The event was themed ‘End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights’.
Accourding to News Agency of Nigeria, the Executive Director of TCF, Mrs. Adetayo Erinle, represented by Programme Manager Mrs. Nendirmwe Ohah, acknowledged the government’s existing policies aimed at curbing child marriage and commended their enactment. Erinle emphasized that while these policies are crucial, their proper implementation is necessary to effectively address the issue.
Erinle further stated that the government has the responsibility to enforce these laws, particularly in communities where child marriage is prevalent. She stressed the importance of creating safe environments where girls can feel respected and supported, and called for collective efforts from parents, schools, religious and social groups to raise awareness and promote safer conditions for girls.
Mrs. Sonaya Adeniyi-Fashola, a Girls Rights Activist and guest speaker at the event, emphasized the need to provide young girls with choices, rather than marrying them off at a young age. She highlighted the negative impact of early marriage on the growth and health of young girls, advocating for their empowerment through education and skill development.
Mrs. Nafisah Kote from the Gender Unit of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board also spoke at the event, noting the board’s active collaboration with stakeholders to raise stable and confident girls. She praised the TCF’s initiative and encouraged other groups to support efforts in empowering young girls and eradicating early child marriage.