By Abubakar Sadiq Mohd, Zaria The Stand with Girls (SWAG) Initiative, a non-governmental organization (NGO), has called on key s...
By Abubakar Sadiq Mohd, Zaria
The Stand with Girls (SWAG) Initiative, a non-governmental organization (NGO), has called on key stakeholders in the education sector to review and strengthen policies that will ensure girls remain in school.
According to the NGO, such measures will help curb the high rate of early marriage in Northern Nigeria and enable girls to harness their full potential.
Ms. Margaret Bolaji Adebola, Founder and Executive Director of SWAG, disclosed that available statistics show that about 30 percent of girls in the region are married before the age of 18. She described the figure as alarming despite ongoing efforts by government and development partners.
Adebola made the remarks during the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, held at the Abdullahi Mahdi Hall, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
According to her, the data indicates that three out of every ten girls in Northern Nigeria are married before reaching adulthood, a situation that contributes to high rates of maternal and child morbidity and mortality.
“While laws and policies exist to protect girls, their implementation remains insufficient,” she observed.
She explained that SWAG, as a youth-led organization, focuses on empowering every girl in Nigeria to achieve her full potential regardless of background. This year’s celebration, she noted, aimed to be more inclusive by engaging boys, parents, and religious leaders to emphasize the need for collective support for girls.
A short film titled ‘Nawi’ was screened during the event, showcasing the harmful effects of early marriage and the importance of educating the girl child. The theme of the celebration, ‘The Girl You Are, The Change That You Lead,’ encouraged girls to take up leadership roles and drive positive change in their communities.
Adebola stressed that addressing the challenges facing girls cannot be left to government alone. She called for collaborative efforts from religious and cultural leaders, teachers, parents, and the media to raise awareness about the value and potential of girls to contribute meaningfully to their families, communities, and the nation.
She also disclosed that SWAG would compile the commitments made and issues raised by participants during the event and forward them to relevant authorities for appropriate action.
In his remarks, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abubakar Sani Sambo, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to creating a safe learning environment that guarantees quality education for all.
Represented by Dr. Saifullah Abdussalam Lamido, the Commissioner said such an environment would ensure that no girl is left behind, regardless of her background, location, or circumstances.
He assured that the Kaduna State Government would continue to implement policies that promote gender parity in schools, reduce dropout rates among girls, and support initiatives addressing early marriage, gender-based violence, and poverty.
Prof. Sambo further urged stakeholders to support girls’ education through encouragement, mentorship, and opportunities, emphasizing that every girl’s dream is valid and she has the right to aspire, lead, and succeed.
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