Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to take urgent action to end child marriage and protect girls’ rights, calling on families, community leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to invest in their education, safety, and future.
The First Lady made the call in a message commemorating the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, observed on Sunday, October 11, under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
In her message, she emphasised the importance of protecting girls from discrimination, violence and harmful practices that threaten their development and limit their opportunities.
She noted that every girl deserves the opportunity to access education, develop her abilities and pursue her aspirations without restrictions imposed by harmful social practices.
According to her, the occasion provides an opportunity to recognise the voices, strength, potential and leadership of girls while renewing commitments to safeguarding their rights and creating an environment in which they can thrive.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu urged families and communities to play active roles in protecting girls, while calling on leaders and policymakers to strengthen efforts to end child marriage and prioritise investments in girls’ education, healthcare and overall well-being.
She stressed that empowering girls goes beyond protecting their individual rights, noting that their development also contributes to stronger families, more resilient communities and national progress.
“When girls thrive, families prosper, communities grow stronger and nations advance,” she stated.
The First Lady’s message highlights the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges facing girls and ensuring they have equal opportunities to realise their potential.
The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on October 11 to promote the rights of girls, draw attention to the challenges they face and encourage greater investment in their empowerment and development.
The 2026 commemoration places particular emphasis on ending child marriage and strengthening the protection of girls’ rights, with a call for sustained action from families, communities and government institutions.
Senator Tinubu wished girls across Nigeria and beyond a happy International Day of the Girl Child, reaffirming the importance of creating a society where every girl can learn, grow, and fulfil her potential.
