KEY POINTS
- The Senate has urged the Federal government to declare a state of emergency on the girl-child protection.
- Calls on states to give effect to Child Rights Act and Violence Against Persons Act.
- This motion is coming in the light of the disturbing figures on child early marriage and other adverse practices in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Government to declare an emergency on the girl child protection and care. This urgent call to action focuses on meeting the educational, health, and safety needs of girls throughout the nation.
Senate wants state of emergency on the girl child
Senator Ireti Kingibe moved the motion and pointed out the challenges that the girl child in Nigeria goes through, including child marriage and other traditional practices.
The Senate also called on state governments to give life to the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act with a view to eradicating practices that are inimical to the wellbeing of children and women including female genital mutilation.
Senator Kingibe noted that child marriage is still rampant in Nigeria where 44.2% of girls are married off before their 18th birthday especially in Zamfara, Bauchi and Sokoto.
Combating shocking facts about the girl child’s welfare
The Senate’s call for intervention happens only a week before the International Day of the Girl Child celebrated on 11th October. Members of the house backed Senator Kingibe’s motion saying that it’s high time to act for the protection of Nigerian girls.
The Senate’s resolutions are an important step towards the protection of the rights of girls in Nigeria, their right to education, health and protection against violence and hazardous practices.
According to Channels Tv, by making such a call for a state of emergency, the Senate seeks to create a situation in which the entire country will strive for the protection of the girl-child and guarantee equal conditions for her further development.
