Coalition urges investment in girls’ education to end child marriage

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Sokoto State has urged the government and other stakeholders to invest more in girls’ education to curb child marriage.

The State Focal Person of the Coalition, Dr Hassan Ibn-Attahir, made the call in a statement on Sunday to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child in Sokoto.

The commemoration, with the theme ‘Educate Her Today, End Child Marriage Tomorrow,’ highlights education’s role in protecting girls’ rights and preventing child marriage.

Mr Ibn-Attahir said keeping girls in school was essential to ending child marriage, adding that education empowered them to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to society.

 “Ending child marriage is inseparable from keeping girls in school. An educated girl becomes an empowered woman who will build stronger communities and a brighter future for Sokoto State,” he said.

He urged the state government, traditional and religious institutions, parents, development partners and other stakeholders to prioritise girls’ education as a strategic approach to ending child marriage.

According to him, quality education promotes personal growth, health and well-being, skills development, innovation and economic independence, while contributing to peaceful communities.

Mr Ibn-Attahir said the coalition had lined up activities to mark the day, including school sensitisation campaigns, a radio discussion programme, advocacy visits to key stakeholders and a statewide social media campaign.

 He reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to ensuring that every girl in Sokoto State had access to education, protection and opportunities to realise her full potential.

The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on October 11 to highlight girls’ rights and the challenges they face worldwide.

(NAN)