The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter, has called for renewed commitment to ending child marriage and protecting the rights, education, safety and future of the girl child. The association made the call as the world commemorates the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, emphasising the need for deliberate actions to secure a better future for girls.
In a press statement issued in Abeokuta, Ogun NAWOJ stressed that every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, make informed decisions and fulfil her potential without fear, discrimination or harmful cultural practices. It noted that protecting the girl child is a collective responsibility that requires sustained commitment from all sectors of society.
The association described child marriage as a harmful practice that deprives girls of their childhood, disrupts their education, threatens their well-being and limits their opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society. It warned that allowing such practices to persist could undermine efforts to promote gender equality and empower the next generation of women.
Ogun NAWOJ called on government, parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen efforts towards ending child marriage and ensuring that girls have access to quality education, adequate protection and opportunities for personal development. It also emphasised the importance of investing in girls’ rights as a pathway to building a safer, fairer and more prosperous society.
With the 2026 theme, “Ending Child Marriage and Investing in Girls’ Rights,” the association urged Nigerians to move beyond commemorating the day and embrace practical measures that protect girls from abuse, discrimination and harmful practices. It maintained that every girl deserves a future defined by opportunity, dignity and the freedom to achieve her full potential.
