…Stakeholders urge protection of girls’ education, enforcement of child rights law
The Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Centre for International Training for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL) Nigeria, Mrs Ihuoma Njemanze, has called for concerted efforts to end child marriage and other harmful practices that deprive girls of education and the opportunity to determine their future.
Njemanze made the call during the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child celebration organised by UNITAR-CIFAL Nigeria in partnership with the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association at Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girls’ School (ACMGS), Elelenwo, Rivers State.
The celebration, held under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” focused on protecting girls’ rights to education, personal development and equal opportunities.
Njemanze said the campaign against child marriage and the protection of girls’ freedom to learn, grow and shape their future aligned with the United Nations’ development objectives.
“We will keep talking about this until we achieve the goal,” she said.
The Director, UNITAR-CIFAL Nigeria, Mrs Ihuoma Njemanze.
She disclosed that the United Nations now had a training centre in Rivers State at Rivers State University, adding that UNITAR-CIFAL Nigeria was expanding its advocacy to communities and local government areas to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “We are going to the grassroots, to local governments across board, because we need to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. We need to start from the bottom to the top, and schools are very important in attaining the SDGs. That is why we are here,” she said.
Njemanze commended individuals and organisations supporting advocacy initiatives and thanked the 1983 Set Association for partnering with the United Nations to advance its objectives.
In her welcome address, the Principal of ACMGS, Mrs Chinyere Ordu, described the campaign against child marriage as timely, noting that it would help girls take their rightful place in different spheres of society.
Mrs Chinyere Ordu, Principal, ACMGS, Elelenwo, Rivers State.
Ordu said the school, regarded as the premier girls’ secondary school east of the Niger, had produced numerous distinguished women who continued to make significant contributions to society.
She expressed appreciation to UNITAR-CIFAL Nigeria and the 1983 Set Association for bringing the advocacy programme to the school to educate and inspire the students.
The President of the association, Barrister Tubokomba Harry, represented by the Vice-President, Dr Stella Daso Oruebo, described the 2026 theme as a powerful call to action, stressing that investing in girls amounted to investing in the nation’s future.
Dr. Stella Daso Oruebo.
Harry urged the students to be cautious in their relationships with boys and to prioritise their education as a foundation for meaningful careers and responsible adulthood.
Speaking on “The Link Between Child Marriage and Education,” Dr. Stella Daso Oruebo warned that child marriage often cuts short girls’ education, limiting their opportunities and exposing them to economic hardship.
She illustrated the consequences with experiences from construction sites in Rivers State.
“In our construction sites here in Rivers State, we see girls who should be in SS3 carrying blocks with babies on their backs because marriage cut off their education,” she said.
Oruebo called on the government to establish free, safe and accessible secondary schools for girls and enforce the Child Rights Act (2003), which provides for 18 years as the minimum age of marriage.
Dr. Helen May Ogoun.
In a separate presentation titled “Leadership in a Male-Dominated Society: Her Voice, Future,” Dr Helen May Ogoun urged the students to believe in themselves and recognise their abilities, capabilities and potential to transform their lives and communities.
Ogoun said gender-based preferences had historically denied many girls access to education, particularly in communities where boys were given priority. “Where I come from, males are more preferred and celebrated. Boys are given the go to school while the girls stay at home. We want to change the narrative by using our voices and ideas,” she said.
Also speaking on “The Girl Child and the Law,” Barrister Ngozi Ajayi described the law as a shield for girls and urged them to understand and exercise their rights. She commended UNITAR-CIFAL Nigeria and the association for initiating the advocacy, saying the programme could help girls access information and support to address violations of their rights.
Ajayi disclosed that the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) had liaison offices in several local government areas of Rivers State, urging girls facing abuse or rights violations to seek assistance. “Tell other girls that are not here that FIDA now has liaison offices in most of the local government areas of Rivers State. Let your voices not be blocked; use our offices to get help,” she said.
Barr. Ngozi Ajayi.
Speaking with journalists at the event, the Secretary-General of the association, Dr Ibinabo Ogolo, commended UNITAR-CIFAL Nigeria for partnering with the group to tackle early marriage and promote the welfare of the girl child.
She said the association, whose members were alumni of different schools across Rivers State, was committed to giving back to society through mentorship and programmes designed to prepare young people for a better future.
“We are proud alumni from different schools in Rivers State committed to giving back. We are passionate about mentoring young people in secondary schools. Our goal is to inspire the next generation for a better life in the future. This is part of what we do,” she said.
Mrs Joyce Ndigbara, National President, ACMGS Old Girls Association.
Also in attendance was the National President, ACMGS Old Girls’ Association, Mrs Joyce Ndigbara
Highlights of the programme included an interactive session between the students and United Nations officials, as well as the screening of videos depicting child marriage experiences in African countries.