… Urges Students to Shun Girl Child Marriage, Focus on Education
The Community Mobilization Officer of Communal Care Centre Mrs. Chiamaka Ubah has advised students to resist any attempt to lure or coerce them into early marriage.
She gave the advice during a sensitization programme at Mark-Charles Secondary School, Akabor in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
The programme was part of the activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
Mrs. Ubah maintained that every girl deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, make informed decisions about her future and live free from violence and coercion.
She noted that marriage should not deprive a child of her childhood, education, health or dignity.
Describing the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” as timely, Mrs. Ubah stressed that ending child marriage was not an attack on culture or family values but a commitment to protecting children, strengthening families and building a society where every girl could reach her full potential.
She identified the consequences of child marriage to include health risks and complications during pregnancy, loss of educational opportunities, domestic violence and sexual abuse, poverty and economic dependence, psychological and emotional trauma, and the denial of children’s rights and privileges.
She also cited the federal Child Rights Act 2003, which provides important safeguards against child marriage.
According to her, Section 23 of the Act criminalises the marriage or betrothal of a child, as well as promoting or arranging such a marriage. She stated that the penalty under the federal Act includes a fine of ₦500,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
She added that Imo State adopted the Child Rights Law in 2004, which sets 18 years as the minimum age of marriage and prohibits child marriage or betrothal.
The students, in response, resolved to remain focused on their studies and shun practices that could hinder them from achieving their full potential.
Stanley Okehie
Communications Officer, CCC
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