The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has called for greater investment in girls' education and protection to end child marriage in Bauchi and Gombe states.
Speaking at a one-day stakeholders' engagement in Gombe organised by the UNICEF to celebrate International Day of the Girl Child, Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, expressed concern over the prevalence of early and child marriage, particularly in the two states.
She warned that the practice undermines girls' potential and limits their opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society.
Speaking on the theme, "Ending Child Marriage and Investing in the Girl Child," Dr Rafique stressed the need for concerted efforts by governments, communities and development partners to protect girls from harmful practices and ensure they have access to education and other essential services.
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"If child marriage will not end, the girls will not get the right opportunities to grow to their best potential. And if girls are behind, then the nation will be behind," she said.
She emphasised that safeguarding the rights of the girl-child requires a coordinated approach involving the education, health, nutrition and social protection sectors, alongside traditional institutions, civil society organisations, state governments and lawmakers.
According to her, ensuring universal access to quality and inclusive education, including provisions for children with disabilities, remains one of the most effective interventions for protecting girls and empowering them to achieve their full potential.
Dr Rafique noted that keeping girls in primary and secondary schools would help delay early marriage, equip them with skills for meaningful careers and enable them to contribute to the development of their communities and the nation.
She also called for positive parenting and stronger community engagement, urging parents and traditional leaders to challenge harmful cultural practices and promote decisions that safeguard the rights and well-being of girls.
Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF's Bauchi Field Office, Ms Ladi Alabi, called for a holistic approach to girl-child development, stressing the need to address the social, cultural, educational and health challenges confronting girls.
She noted that certain sociocultural practices had continued to undermine children's rights and development over the years, explaining that UNICEF was working to bring these issues to the forefront of its advocacy and child-protection activities.
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Ms Alabi highlighted the health risks associated with early marriage and pregnancy, particularly complications during childbirth that can result in obstetric fistula, including vesicovaginal fistula (VVF).
