The Edo state government has urged parents and guardians to prioritise the education of the girl child and reject child marriage. This call was made by the Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani, during an event to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child at Government House, Benin City. The event aimed to empower girls to realise their full potential.
Mrs Anani urged parents to provide their daughters with the necessary support, guidance and educational opportunities to enable them to achieve their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society. She emphasised that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo was committed to dismantling barriers to the advancement of the girl child. Girls should be encouraged to discover their worth and pursue their dreams rather than being forced into early marriage.
Mrs Anani also charged students to take their education seriously, discover their talents and develop the confidence needed to pursue their ambitions. She noted that marriage is good when the time is right, citing the Constitution, which stipulates that a girl must be 18 years and above before marriage. This, she believes, will help girls make informed decisions about their lives.
In her keynote address, former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Maria Edeko, described child marriage as unacceptable. She noted that the Edo State Child Rights Law provides legal protection for children. Edeko warned that early marriage could expose girls to serious health and social challenges, including complications arising from early pregnancy and childbirth.
Edeko called on parents and relevant stakeholders to protect the rights of the girl child and ensure that girls are given the opportunity to complete their education before considering marriage. This, she believes, will help girls become productive members of society. Two parents, Mr Okosun Gabriel and Hajia Atine Umar, also condemned child marriage and urged parents to provide adequate care, guidance and education for their children.
Some of the students who participated in the event, including Osayande Williams of Umelu Senior Secondary School, Okefe Vivian of Great Oxford International Group of Schools, and Afolabi Peace Oluwabunmi of Ihogbe College, said the programme had broadened their understanding of self-worth, confidence and the importance of pursuing their dreams. They expressed appreciation for the lessons learnt and the encouragement to believe in themselves.
The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on October 11 to promote the rights, empowerment and equal opportunities of girls worldwide. The event in Edo State was part of the global celebration, highlighting the importance of girl-child education and the need to reject child marriage. The students left the event with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to pursue their educational goals.
Key points
- The Edo State government is committed to dismantling barriers to the advancement of the girl child.
- Child marriage exposes girls to serious health and social challenges.
- Education is crucial for girls to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
