FIC REPORT (ABIA STATE) – The Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Abia State Branch, have called for concerted efforts to end child marriage, human trafficking and other forms of abuse and exploitation against the girl child.
They made the call during the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child 2026, organised by the Office of the Wife of the Governor in collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs at Brittarch Event Centre, opposite the Abia State House of Assembly, Umuahia
The event was held under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
Speaking at the occasion, Mrs. Otti stressed that every girl deserves the opportunity to enjoy her childhood, receive quality education, develop her talents and make informed decisions about her future without being forced into early marriage.
She urged parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, teachers and other stakeholders to work together to challenge harmful cultural practices, protect girls from abuse and ensure that they remain in school.
According to her, childhood should not be cut short by marriage, adding that girls must be allowed to acquire education and relevant skills to become confident individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
The Governor’s wife also expressed concern over human trafficking, noting that it often begins with deception, false promises of employment and the exploitation of family trust.
She maintained that poverty should never be used as an excuse to exploit children, stressing that no promise of a better life should justify exposing a child to danger.
Mrs. Otti acknowledged the efforts of the Abia State Taskforce on Human Trafficking, working in collaboration with NAPTIP, in rescuing victims, protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.
She further highlighted initiatives of the Governor Alex Otti-led administration aimed at promoting the welfare and development of girls, including free education programmes, the Tech Rights Programme, Leadership Academy and Safe Care Tent initiative.
She emphasised the importance of collaboration among government ministries, agencies and organisations, including FIDA, Caritas and the Child Protection Network, to strengthen child protection and support systems.
Mrs. Otti encouraged girls to take advantage of educational and leadership opportunities, speak out whenever their rights are threatened and remain determined to achieve their aspirations.
In his keynote presentation, the Commander of NAPTIP, Abia State Command, Mr. Izunna Iwobi, called for stronger measures to tackle child trafficking, early marriage and other forms of violence against girls.
Iwobi said the girl child possessed enormous potential to contribute to national development when provided with quality education, adequate protection and equal opportunities.
He explained that NAPTIP, established in 2003, is mandated to combat human trafficking and related offences through the investigation, arrest and prosecution of suspected offenders, as well as the rescue, rehabilitation and empowerment of victims.
The NAPTIP commander identified poverty, insecurity, displacement, limited access to education and early marriage as some of the major challenges confronting the Nigerian girl child.
He noted that child marriage deprives girls of educational opportunities, limits their economic prospects, exposes them to serious health complications and prevents them from achieving their full potential.
Iwobi stressed that girls should not be regarded as financial burdens or commodities but as important contributors to the country’s future development.
He called on relevant authorities to strengthen the enforcement of existing laws, including the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, to protect girls against trafficking, abuse and exploitation.
He also advocated improved access to education, safe learning environments, digital literacy and scholarships, while urging stakeholders to ensure that girls participate in decisions affecting their welfare and future.
In her opening remarks, the Abia State Commissioner for Women Affairs Dr. Mrs. Maureen Ijeoma Aghukwa.Emphasis the need for collective action by the government, parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to end child marriage and protect the rights of girls.
She observed that early marriage deprives girls of their childhood, interrupts their education, threatens their health and limits their future opportunities.
The commissioner encouraged girls to believe in themselves, take their education seriously and speak out whenever their rights are threatened.
She also highlighted the importance of free basic education and accessible healthcare in promoting the development of girls, noting that initiatives such as the Nigeria for Women Project help empower mothers economically and improve the welfare of their families.
In her goodwill message, the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Abia State Branch, Barrister Njideka Aniawonwa, condemned child marriage, declaring that it should not be justified as a cultural or traditional practice.
She described the practice as a violation of the rights of the girl child, citing the Child Rights Act, applicable Child Rights Law, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Aniawonwa explained that marrying off girls at an early age, such as 14, deprives them of education and the opportunity to fulfil their potential as future lawyers, doctors, public administrators and political leaders.
She further warned that early marriage exposes girls to serious health complications, including vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), as well as domestic violence and other forms of abuse.
The FIDA chairperson reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen the enforcement of laws protecting children from early marriage, trafficking and exploitation.
She also pledged legal support for girls forced into early marriage, stating that FIDA was prepared to provide free legal representation to victims seeking justice.
Aniawonwa called on state governors to establish a Girls’ Education Trust Fund to enable vulnerable girls to remain in school and complete their education.
She equally urged traditional rulers and customary court authorities to reject practices that promote child marriage and support efforts to protect the rights and dignity of girls.
Addressing the girl child directly, she encouraged girls to remain in school, speak out against threats to their rights and seek help from trusted adults, legal practitioners and child-protection organisations whenever they face the risk of forced marriage.
“You are not a bride; you are a future,” she declared, urging stakeholders to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to child marriage and ensure that every girl has the opportunity to achieve her aspirations.
In another goodwill message, the Senior Prefect of University Demonstration Schools, Esther Chisom Stephens, called for greater investment in girls’ education, leadership and personal development.
Stephens maintained that educating girls would yield significant benefits for families, communities and the nation, stressing that girls deserved to be loved, heard, educated and given equal opportunities to excel.
She identified access to education, leadership opportunities, freedom of expression and affordable sanitary products as essential to the well-being and development of the girl child.
The student urged the government and other stakeholders to expand access to computer education, make sanitary products affordable and discourage early marriage and unhealthy relationships.
She also encouraged girls to develop self-confidence, use their voices and pursue leadership opportunities, recalling the courage demonstrated by women during the 1929 Aba Women’s Riot.
According to her, investing in girls means investing in the future of millions of Nigerians, as empowered girls can become leaders and contribute to decision-making at the family, community and national levels.
An overview of the International Day of the Girl Child 2026 presented at the event highlighted the need for sustained investment in girls’ education, protection, healthcare, leadership and economic opportunities.
The presentation also highlighted developments in Abia State, including the commissioning of the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre at Aba General Hospital and the signing into law, in April 2026, of the Abia State Centre for the Rehabilitation of Survivors of Rape, Defilement, Domestic Violence and All Forms of Human Trafficking Law.
It stressed that protecting girls requires stronger child-protection systems, community sensitisation, support for vulnerable households and effective measures to combat trafficking, child marriage and gender-based violence.
The event featured presentations by participating schools, including dance performances, quiz competitions, a modest-dressing contest and spelling activities.
The programme ended with a vote of thanks by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Ogechi Becky Oguama, who appreciated the contributions of stakeholders towards the successful commemoration.
The event reaffirmed the need for sustained collaboration among government institutions, families, schools and communities to ensure that every girl in Abia State enjoys her rights, remains safe, receives quality education and has the opportunity to fulfil her potential.
From : Onyebuchi Juliet Nwabu
FIC: Umuahia
28th October,2026.
