Action Health Incorporated (AHI) during its 23rd Annual Teenage Festival of Life (TFL) has enjoined pupils and parents to totally eradicate child marriage in Nigeria.
 
In a bid to end child marriage in the course of the programme, young people from public secondary schools across Lagos State showcased the realities of child marriage using songs, poetry and drama to advocate for the total eradication of Child marriage in the country.
 
AHI in its press release noted that “child marriage is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and despite laws against it, the practice still remains widespread.
 
“In Nigeria, 43% of girls are married before their 18th birthday and 17% are married before they turn 15. The prevalence of child marriage varies widely from one region to another, with figures as high as 76% in the North West region and 10% in the South East.
 
“These child brides are burdened with responsibilities as wives and mothers with little support, resources, or life experience to meet these challenges. Furthermore, girls’ rights, health and development are undermined by the impact of early marriage, including pregnancy and early childbearing which impact on their mortality and morbidity. There are also outcomes of early termination of their schooling which limits human capital and their future productivity which of course affects the lives of their children and families,” the statement observed.
 
Speaking at the event, the Director of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Alaba Fadairo lamented the rapid growth of child marriage in the country, saying: “The theme of this year’s TFL is apt, because it is coming at a time where a lot of our girls are getting married earlier than expected.
 
“Surveys have been conducted showing that a lot of young girls have been involved in the motherhood of a family.
 
“Some of our girls have become mothers when they are supposed to be in school or undergoing trainings to empower them for brighter future. This is quite alarming and worrisome.”
 
She further stressed on the involvement of government in ending child marriage in the societal context.
 
Read more at http://thenationonlineng.net/pupils-parents-enjoined-to-end-child-marriage/