Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for an end to child marriage, stressing that every girl deserves access to education, healthcare, protection and the freedom to shape her future.
Tinubu made the call in a message commemorating the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, observed on Sunday, October 11. She urged Nigerians to move beyond public declarations and take concrete steps to eliminate child marriage and other harmful practices affecting girls.
The 2026 global celebration is themed “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” highlighting the impact of early marriage on girls’ education, health, safety and opportunities for leadership.
According to the First Lady, every girl should be allowed to grow up in an environment free from discrimination, violence and harmful cultural practices that could limit her opportunities.
“Every girl deserves the freedom to learn, grow, and pursue her dreams without discrimination, violence or harmful practices limiting her future,” she said.
She described girls as important contributors to society, noting that their voices, abilities and leadership potential must be recognised and protected.
Tinubu emphasised that safeguarding girls’ rights should go beyond the provisions of the law to include practical measures in homes, schools, communities and government policies.
She called on parents, community leaders, traditional rulers, policymakers and government institutions to work together to protect girls and prevent child marriage.
The First Lady also urged stakeholders to prioritise investments in girls’ education, healthcare and general well-being, noting that such efforts would benefit not only individual girls but also their families and the country at large.
She maintained that empowering girls was both a social responsibility and an essential step towards national development.
“When girls thrive, families prosper, communities grow stronger and nations advance,” Tinubu said.
Her message reinforces calls for stronger action to address child marriage and ensure that girls have the opportunity to complete their education, develop their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually to promote girls’ rights, raise awareness of the challenges they face and encourage governments and communities to create opportunities for their development.
