Some residents of Kano have called for an end to child marriage, improved access to education and stronger protection of girls to secure their rights and future. They made the call in separate interviews on Sunday to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
Rabi Abdul said parents should be sensitised to the dangers of marrying off their daughters “before they are physically and emotionally mature”.
Ms Abdul said poverty and cultural beliefs should not be allowed to deprive girls of education and the opportunity to fulfil their potential. She urged the government to intensify efforts to provide scholarships, school materials, and financial support for vulnerable families to enable girls to remain in school.
According to her, parents and community leaders must prioritise girls’ welfare by allowing them to complete their education and make informed decisions about their future.
Khadija Musa said ending child marriage requires a combination of public awareness, enforcement of relevant laws and support for families facing economic hardship.
Ms Musa said the government should strengthen access to quality education, provide safe learning environments and ensure that girls are protected from abuse and discrimination. She called on traditional and religious leaders to educate their communities on the importance of educating girls rather than marrying them off at an early age.
Ms Musa added that girls should be encouraged to develop their talents and pursue their ambitions without unnecessary restrictions.
Naziru Ahmed said parents should recognise that early marriage could interrupt girls’ education and limit their opportunities for personal and economic development.
Mr Ahmed urged the government to strengthen programmes that keep girls in school, including financial assistance for disadvantaged families and measures to prevent sexual harassment and other forms of violence.
He also called for greater collaboration among schools, families, community leaders and relevant agencies to identify and protect girls at risk of early marriage.
According to him, girls should be allowed to acquire education and skills that will enable them to contribute meaningfully to society.
Bello Abdul said protecting the girl child requires a change in attitudes that encourage early marriage and deny girls equal opportunities.
Mr Abdul urged parents to support their daughters’ education and ambitions, stressing that girls deserve the same encouragement to succeed as boys. He called on the government to enforce laws protecting children, expand educational opportunities and establish effective channels for reporting abuse and harmful practices.
Mr Abdul also appealed to community leaders to speak out against child marriage and work with parents to ensure that girls were protected and allowed to achieve their dreams.
(NAN)