Beatrice Gondyi Bauchi
Former Bauchi State First Lady, Hajiya Hadiza Muhammad Abubakar, has urged governments, parents and community leaders to intensify efforts to curb child marriage and ensure that every girl has access to quality education and opportunities to develop her full potential.
Abubakar made the call in a statement issued to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, themed “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls.”
She emphasised the need to protect girls from early marriage and other harmful practices that deny them their childhood, education, fundamental rights and opportunities for personal development.
According to her, every girl deserves to grow up in a safe and supportive environment, acquire relevant skills and develop the capacity to contribute meaningfully to her family, community and society.
The former first lady noted that child marriage often exposes girls to several challenges, including school dropout, early pregnancy, health complications, emotional distress and limited economic opportunities.
She therefore called on parents and guardians to prioritise their daughters’ education and personal development rather than subjecting them to early marriage.
Abubakar also encouraged girls to remain focused on their studies, acquire relevant skills and resist pressures that could prevent them from achieving their educational and career goals.
She urged them to believe in themselves, build their confidence and recognise that their gender or circumstances should not limit their aspirations.
The former first lady further stressed the importance of parental responsibility in providing children with adequate care, guidance, encouragement and moral support.
She noted that mothers have a significant role in shaping the character, values and confidence of their children, regardless of gender.
Abubakar encouraged parents to listen to their children, understand their concerns and maintain open communication to ensure that girls feel safe discussing their challenges and seeking guidance.
She cautioned against pressuring girls into marriage before they have had the opportunity to complete their education and acquire the skills needed to become independent and productive members of society.
The former first lady also called on governments at all levels to strengthen policies and programmes designed to prevent child marriage and improve girls’ access to quality education.
She identified scholarships, vocational training and targeted support for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds as important interventions that could help reduce barriers to education and improve their prospects.
Abubakar urged traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, teachers and other community stakeholders to work together to challenge harmful cultural practices and promote the rights and welfare of the girl child.
She maintained that investment in girls should extend beyond school enrolment to include access to healthcare, mentorship, digital skills, leadership opportunities and protection from violence and abuse.
According to her, empowering girls through education and skills development would enable them to contribute more effectively to community development and the growth of society.
She warned that poverty, discrimination and harmful cultural practices should not deprive girls of opportunities to pursue their ambitions and build successful futures.
Abubakar called on all stakeholders to move beyond commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child and take practical steps to end child marriage, strengthen family support systems and create an environment in which every girl can learn, grow and succeed.
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