Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on families, community leaders and policymakers to strengthen efforts to protect girls from child marriage, discrimination and other harmful practices that threaten their development.
The First Lady made the appeal in a statement commemorating the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, observed under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
She stressed the need for increased investment in girls’ education, welfare and overall development, noting that empowering girls was essential to building stronger families, communities and nations.
Tinubu said every girl deserved the opportunity to learn, grow and pursue her aspirations without facing discrimination, violence or practices that could undermine her future.
She also called for greater recognition of girls’ voices, leadership abilities and potential, urging stakeholders to create an environment where they could develop their talents and contribute meaningfully to society.
According to the First Lady, protecting girls’ rights and ensuring their well-being should remain a collective responsibility involving families, communities, government leaders and policymakers.
She maintained that when girls are given the opportunity to thrive, the benefits extend beyond individuals to their families, communities and the country at large.
The commemoration highlights the importance of ending child marriage and promoting policies and initiatives that safeguard girls’ rights while expanding their opportunities for a better future.
