Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for stronger efforts to end child marriage and expand girls’ access to education, healthcare and protection from violence. In a message marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, she urged families, communities, policymakers and other leaders to confront practices that restrict girls’ opportunities. She said investment in girls’ wellbeing could strengthen families and contribute to national development. The call coincided with an interschool debate in Abuja organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies in collaboration with the European Union delegation.
European Union Ambassador Gautier Mignot warned that educational exclusion and early marriage remained major global challenges. He cited estimates of approximately 129 million girls out of school and 12 million affected by child marriage annually, urging sustained action to address the structural conditions that leave girls vulnerable. Mignot highlighted the EU’s work on gender equality, education, adolescent health and the prevention of gender based violence. Government Day Secondary School, Dutse, Abuja, won the competition and received N1 million. The director general of the legislative institute, Abubakar Sulaiman, said the performances demonstrated the potential of students in public schools and reinforced the need for better education funding.
The discussions highlighted the importance of combining education and economic opportunity with enforceable child protection laws. Girls facing the risk of early marriage require not only public advocacy but also accessible schools, functioning health services, safe reporting channels and practical support from their communities.
