Time to boost the girl child | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News

The story of the Nigerian girl child as told by Khadija Badamasi, from Yobe State is, to say the least, pathetic. But it is more worrisome because that story represents the picture of exploitation of the girl-child everywhere in the country where they find themselves in poverty-stricken homes.

It is lamentable that even in the 21st century, the girl-child in Nigeria continues to be subjected to early marriage, an action that is usually against her wish and interest. The tragedy of under-aged girls being betrothed to old men is wicked. Unfortunately, the practice seems to be encouraged, even supported, by politicians and public office holders who, hiding under customs and religion, shy away from domesticating the Child Rights Act, many years after its enactment by federal lawmakers.

Khadija’s testimony took place the other day when members of children parliament have raised the alarm over the girl child being married off to pay debt, at a roundtable organised by Save the Children International to commemorate the 10th anniversary of International Day of the Girl-Child. The betrothal of under aged girls to old men for economic reasons is indefensible in this age and time and should be condemned and treated as a crime against humanity.

In further pursuance of the rights of the child, Section 21 of the Child Rights Act forbids in clear terms marriage of any person under the age of 18 years. It states: “No person under the age of 18 years is capable of contracting a valid marriage, and accordingly, a marriage so contracted is null and of no effect whatsoever”. Also, Section 23 penalises marriage or promotion of marriage to a person under the age of 18 years.

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