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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through its Police Campaign Against Cultism and other Vices (POCACOV), in partnership with the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), has commemorated the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja.
The event was held under the theme “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
A press statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, Tuesday in Abuja, said participants included students from secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), international organisations, educators, medical practitioners, corporate organisations, development partners, policy makers and other stakeholders.
He said discussions focused on strategies for addressing the alarming prevalence of child marriage and the continued disregard for the rights of the girl child, despite existing national and international laws.
CSP Iniedu noted that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, commended the initiative as timely and impactful.
The Police boss, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, in-charge of the Department of Logistics and Supply, DIG Kenechukwu Onwumelie, stated that the Force regards the protection of children’s rights not only as a legal obligation but also as a moral and societal responsibility.
According to Disu, investing in girls’ rights means investing in their education, health, safety, leadership opportunities and economic empowerment. He urged all stakeholders to strengthen their commitment to ending child marriage and protecting children’s rights within their respective capacities.Speaking on behalf of the National President of POWA, Mrs Zainab Isyaku Mohammed, stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders to counter the rising incidence of child marriage and abuse of the girl child’s rights, despite laws domesticated in the country.
She encouraged participants, particularly students, to take full advantage of such platforms, which educate and advocate on children’s rights, as well as called for urgent action to curb the practice of marrying off girls early, and highlighted its damaging effects on the child, the family and the wider community.
Other dignitaries present included the National President of POWA, Chief Mutiat Olufunmilola Disu, who was represented by Mrs Zainab Isyaku Mohammed; representatives of the FCT Secondary Education Board, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
“The NPF remains committed to building strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders and supporting community engagement initiatives that promote children’s rights and protect children, especially the girl child, from all forms of abuse, exploitation and harmful practices,” the FPRO added.
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