By: Olivia Rufus
OWERRI, Imo State — Virgin Heart Foundation, in collaboration with the Imo State Ministry of Education, has commemorated the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child with pupils and students from selected primary and secondary schools in Owerri, Imo State, urging parents, government authorities and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to end child marriage and protect the rights of the girl child.
The event, held on Friday, October 9, 2026, focused on raising awareness about the dangers of child marriage, promoting girls’ education, empowering young girls with knowledge of their rights and encouraging parents to invest in their daughters’ future.
Speaking at the event, the founder of Virgin Heart Foundation, Peace Dike, said the initiative was designed to educate girls and their parents about the importance of protecting the girl child from harmful practices, particularly early marriage, which often deprives girls of education and limits their opportunities.
Ms Dike also highlighted the foundation’s commitment to promoting the welfare, safety and development of children, especially girls who are vulnerable to abuse, exploitation and other forms of discrimination.
She stressed that sustained community sensitisation and collaboration among government agencies, schools, parents and civil society organisations were necessary to address the challenges facing girls and create an environment where every girl could reach her full potential.
The programme also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the social and economic factors contributing to child marriage and school dropouts among girls, while encouraging students to speak up whenever their rights or safety were threatened.
Child marriage threatens girls’ education
The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on October 11. Established by the United Nations in 2011, the day draws global attention to the challenges confronting girls and promotes their rights, empowerment and equal opportunities.
Child marriage remains a major concern in Nigeria, where poverty, harmful cultural practices, gender inequality and limited awareness of children’s rights continue to expose many girls to early marriage and school discontinuation.
For many affected girls, the consequences extend beyond the loss of educational opportunities to include early pregnancy, health complications, emotional distress and reduced economic independence.
A 16-year-old girl from Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, identified as Chiamaka, recounted how she was forced to abandon her education for marriage.
“I wanted to be a doctor, but my parents said I should marry so my brothers can go to school,” she said tearfully.
Her experience illustrates the difficult choices some girls face when family circumstances and entrenched gender biases place the education and future of boys above those of girls.
Stakeholders at the event emphasised that no girl should be forced to sacrifice her education or childhood because of poverty, family pressure or cultural expectations.
Justice, protection for vulnerable girls
The Imo State Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Mrs Nnenna, who also spoke on issues affecting vulnerable groups, attributed the continued incidence of child marriage and school dropouts among girls to poverty, cultural beliefs and inadequate awareness.
She highlighted the importance of government intervention and legal protection in ensuring that girls are not denied their fundamental rights.
According to her, efforts are being made to protect girls, support victims who speak out and ensure that perpetrators of abuse and other unlawful acts are held accountable.
She called for greater public awareness and cooperation among families, communities and relevant institutions to ensure that vulnerable girls can access justice and continue their education.
Police warn against early pregnancy
CSP Juliana Obidinanwa, who represented the Commissioner of Police at the event, sensitised the students on the physical, psychological and social consequences of child marriage and early pregnancy.
She explained that girls who become pregnant at an early age face increased health risks, while the emotional and social consequences can undermine their confidence, self-esteem and relationships with their peers.
The police representative urged parents to prioritise their daughters’ education and welfare rather than treating marriage as a means of resolving financial difficulties.
She cautioned against the practice of giving away young girls in marriage at the expense of their education and future, stressing that girls deserve the same opportunities as boys to learn, develop and succeed.
She also encouraged students to seek help from trusted adults and appropriate authorities whenever they face threats, coercion or attempts to force them into marriage.
Schools, NGOs urged to strengthen interventions
The Principal of Owerri Girls Secondary School, Mrs Peace Uwagu, said the school was committed to mentoring girls and preparing them for leadership despite the challenges confronting many students.
She noted that child marriage and related pressures had contributed to school dropout cases, but added that sensitisation and intervention programmes were helping to improve awareness and encourage girls to remain in school.
Mrs Uwagu urged students who face the threat of forced marriage or other forms of abuse to speak out and seek assistance rather than suffer in silence or leave home without a safety plan.
She advised them to approach trusted teachers, responsible adults, credible non-governmental organisations, the police or appropriate health and child-protection professionals for support.
The principal also called on parents and guardians to create safe spaces where children can discuss their concerns without fear of punishment or rejection.
Collective action needed to protect the girl child
Participants at the programme agreed that educating a girl is an investment in the future of her family, community and the nation.
They called on parents, traditional rulers, government institutions, schools, civil society organisations and community leaders to work together to eliminate child marriage, address the root causes of school dropout and ensure that girls have equal access to education and opportunities.
They also stressed the need for sustained awareness campaigns, stronger child-protection mechanisms and support systems for girls at risk of abuse, exploitation or forced marriage.
Through its collaboration with the Imo State Ministry of Education, Virgin Heart Foundation seeks to contribute to these efforts by promoting awareness, encouraging community engagement and advancing the welfare and empowerment of the girl child.
The event concluded with a renewed call for families and communities to reject child marriage and support every girl’s right to education, safety, dignity and a future of her own choosing.
The message was clear: End child marriage. Invest in the girl child. Empower girls to shape their future.