The Association of Lady Pharmacists, Plateau State chapter, recently intensified its campaign against child marriage as it commemorated the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child in Jos. The event, held at the Rochas Foundation College, had the theme: “End Child Marriage, Invest in Girls’ Rights” and attracted the participation of no less than seven schools from across the state. Various dignitaries, including officials from the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, attended the event.
The Chairman of the occasion, Mrs Dorathy Sunday Biggs, expressed concern over the rising cases of child marriage in the society and called for collective action to protect the girl child. She emphasized that an educated girl becomes an empowered woman who will contribute to the development of Plateau and Nigeria. Biggs urged mothers, the community, and the state to say no to child marriage, which she believes cuts short the dreams of the girl child.
The Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission and Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Gender, Mrs Olivia Dazyam, commended the Association of Lady Pharmacists for championing the rights of girls. Dazyam reiterated the government's commitment to ending gender-based vices, including child marriage. She noted that the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang is committed to protecting the rights of every girl child in Plateau State.
The Chairperson, Association of Lady Pharmacists, Plateau State chapter, Dr Lydia Doosuur Ior, said the commemoration was aimed at amplifying the voices of girls and drawing attention to challenges confronting them. Dr Ior emphasized that as Lady Pharmacists, they are concerned about the total well-being of the girl child, not just drugs. She noted that ending child marriage is investing in the future and that keeping a girl in school and healthy secures the future of a generation.
The event included the distribution of sanitary pads to over 300 school girls to promote menstrual hygiene and keep girls in school. The Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Mrs Obiageli Eze-Ugonna, said many girls miss school because they cannot afford sanitary pads, exposing them to vulnerability and early marriage. Eze-Ugonna emphasized that by providing pads and educating girls on reproductive health, they are telling them that their dignity matters.
The event featured spoken word poetry, health talks, and other activities. The Association of Lady Pharmacists was assisted by various organizations, including the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the Medical Women Association of Nigeria. The campaign against child marriage is ongoing, with stakeholders seeking to protect the rights of girls and promote their education and well-being.
Key points
- The Association of Lady Pharmacists, Plateau State chapter, has intensified its campaign against child marriage, marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child in Jos.
- The event featured the distribution of sanitary pads to over 300 school girls to promote menstrual hygiene and keep girls in school.
- Stakeholders, including government officials and various organizations, have expressed commitment to ending child marriage and promoting the rights and well-being of girls.
