THE Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ogun State chapter, and the Peace Oladiran Foundation have called for renewed commitment to ending child marriage and investing in the rights, education, safety, and future of every girl-child.
Both organisations made the call in commemoration of this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, themed ‘End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights’.
NAWOJ, in a statement issued by its chairperson, Morenikeji Sobaloju, said the association recognised that every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, make informed choices, and fulfil her potential without fear, discrimination, or harmful cultural practices.
She noted that child marriage denied girls of their childhood, disrupts their education, threatens their well-being, and limits their opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society.
Sobaloju said protecting girls required the collective action from government, parents, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, and the media.
The association then urged relevant authorities to strengthen the enforcement of laws protecting children, expand access to quality education, promote public awareness, and ensure that girls have access to the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
“As women journalists, we reaffirm our commitment to using the power of the media to amplify girls’ voices, expose harmful practices, promote gender equality, and hold stakeholders accountable for the protection of children’s rights.
“Every girl deserves a future filled with hope, dignity, opportunity, and freedom from child marriage. When we invest in girls, we invest in stronger families, healthier communities, and a better society,” the statement reads
On its part, the Peace Oladiran Foundation urged government, community leaders, parents, and other relevant stakeholders to unite in protecting the rights, dignity, and future of every girl child.
The foundation’s founder, Peace Oladiran, said such collective efforts would help create a society where every girl is safe, educated, valued, and empowered to achieve her full potential.
Speaking at the commemorative programme held in the Aba-Oko community in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, Miss Oladiranstressed the importance of parents investing more in their daughters’ education.
She added that parents who cannot afford formal education should encourage their daughters to acquire vocational skills that would enable them to earn a living.
“This year, for the International Day of the Girl Child, we decided to organise a community-based programme because the community brings together people from different schools and families.
“The theme for this year is ‘End Early Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.’ Early marriage is common in rural communities, which is why we decided to visit Aba-Oko, where we met girls from different homes and schools.”
She urged the government and community leaders to prioritise girls’ rights just as they do those of boys.
Miss Oladiranemphasised that the foundation’s objective for next year is to expand its reach to the state level by bringing together participants from different local government areas at a central location.
The representative of the Aba-Oko community, MrMorufOlanrewaju, commended the initiative, explaining that it would help redirect the children’s focus towards personal development and future opportunities.