A non-governmental organization, Participation Initiative for Behavioral Change in Development (PIBCID). says the present economic challenges bedeviling the nation’s today has made early child marriage on the increase in Kogi State.
The Executive Director of PIBCID, Remilekun Akande stated this on Saturday at a one day sensitization workshop with widows, market women and people with disabilities of Sarkin Noma community to commemorate the 2025 international Women’s Day.
Akande, who disclosed that the programme was organized in collaboration with Nigeria Women Trust Fund (NWTF), asserted that there is need for aggressive grassroot awareness to put an end to this scourge in the society.
According to Akande “Looking at the prevalent issue of early Child marriage, we know that we have more cases in Sarkinoma and Adankolo community here in Lokoja Kogi State. Looking at this year theme accelerating actions, we have decided to swing into action in ending early child marriage and every forms of gender based violence in Kogi State.
“Let it be stated clearly here that we are facing the problem of early child marriage in Kogi State because of alarming poverty. This communities where we are today, a lot of them ascribed it to poverty, and low awareness creation.
“During our conversation with them, most of the parents are still ignorant that we have a Child Right law in the state that deals with issues around children. This is a big problem which we must collectively joins our heads together to put an end to early child marriage by ensuring that our young girls are protected.
“The current economic hardship in the country should not be an excuse for Parents to give their Children our early for marriage. This must stop now.”
Akande expressed concern about some parents who keep silent in Kogi state when their children are being molested, adding that the fear of stigmatization of their wards will further worsen the situation in Nigeria.
“Many parents whose minors have been molested or taken advantage of by suspected rapist are always scared of coming out over fear of stigmatization of their wards. When they continue to keep silent, the perpetuators of this evil act will be working freely on the street and they will keep on doing things that is against our law. It is high time they speak out so that the hands of the law can catch up with them”.
The immediate past Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kogi State, Barr. Lilian Ajuma Okolo opined that the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is timely as it will help to accelerate the lives of women and children in Nigeria.
“For us, we want to change the narrative in so many areas such as ending early marriage for our teenage girls. This conversation with women of this communities will go a long way in transforming things that can hampered the future of their children especially the girl child.
“No doubt the present economic situation in Nigeria has contributed to early child marriage, because most of the parents now believed that getting married is a succour to salvage the economic quagmire. We have assured them that giving their child early for marriage is never a solution. We are encouraging them to see how they can put a stop to this problem”.
Okolo admonished government and civil society organizations to keep sensitizing parents on the dangers of early child marriage, pointing out that their words should be matched with action to address this problem in Nigeria.
Participants at the event, however, appreciated PIBCID and Nigeria Women Trust Fund for the sensitization programme, noting that they remain committed in securing the future of their children.
Asebe Ahmed Garba, a woman who got married at her tender age frowned at parents giving out their children at the early stage for marriage adding that, the present administration should come up with modalities to ameliorate the suffering of the people.
Garba further appealed to both the national and international communities to remain resolute in fighting the course of women especially the girl child.
Also speaking, another participant, Hajara Inuwa argued that most women in the country are now the bread winner of their families due to lack of jobs for their husbands stressing that, providing employment for their spouses will go a long way at reducing their suffering.
In her view, Aisha Suleiman averred that women should be given a sense of belonging in the society, adding that they should not be relegated to the background as they have what it takes to contribute meaningfully for the development of the nation.
