Remi Tinubu Urges End to Child Marriage, Calls for Investment in Girls’ Rights

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on families, community leaders and policymakers to intensify efforts to end child marriage and protect the rights of girls, stressing the need for greater investment in their education, healthcare and overall well-being.

Tinubu made the appeal 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.”

She said every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and pursue her aspirations without discrimination, violence or harmful practices that could undermine her future.

The First Lady urged families, communities and government leaders to take collective responsibility for safeguarding girls’ rights and creating an environment where they can develop their abilities and realise their full potential.

She emphasised that investment in girls’ education, health and welfare would benefit not only the individuals concerned but also their families, communities and the country at large.

“When girls thrive, families prosper, communities grow stronger and nations advance,” she said.

Tinubu also celebrated the voices, strength, potential and leadership of girls worldwide, calling for sustained efforts to remove barriers that prevent them from accessing opportunities and achieving their ambitions.

The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on October 11 to promote girls’ rights and draw attention to the challenges they face, including child marriage, gender-based violence, discrimination and unequal access to education.

This year’s theme highlights the need for stronger protection measures and sustained investment in girls’ rights, education and well-being.

The United Nations estimates that more than 12 million girls are married before reaching adulthood each year, underscoring the urgency of coordinated action by governments, families and communities to end the practice.

Tinubu wished girls across Nigeria and the world a happy International Day of the Girl Child, reaffirming the importance of building a society where every girl can learn, grow and fulfil her potential.