EMIR URGES COMMUNITIES TO PRIORITISE GIRLS’ EDUCATION OVER EARLY MARRIAGE

EMIR URGES COMMUNITIES TO PRIORITISE GIRLS’ EDUCATION OVER EARLY MARRIAGE


The Emir of Shonga in Kwara State, Alhaji Haliru Ndanusa, has called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to intensify efforts toward promoting girls’ education as a sustainable way to curb early marriage and protect young girls from long-term physical and psychological harm.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief programme on Wednesday, the monarch stressed that early marriage continues to expose young girls to serious health risks and deprives them of educational and economic opportunities.

According to the Emir, education remains one of the most effective tools for delaying marriage and empowering girls to make informed life choices.

“When girls are encouraged and supported to remain in school, it naturally delays marriage. Early marriage is extremely devastating, especially when it involves children who are not physically or emotionally mature,” he said.

He described cases where girls become pregnant at the ages of 12 or 13 as deeply troubling, noting that such situations often result in severe medical complications.

“You see a child trying to carry another child. In many cases, the girl suffers permanent damage. Sometimes they survive it, but the consequences stay with them for life,” the Emir explained.

Recalling a personal experience from his early professional years during a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posting, Ndanusa narrated an incident involving a severely injured 13-year-old girl who had been married off.

“She was bleeding heavily, and when I asked the man who brought her whether she was his daughter, he replied that she was his wife. That moment showed me how dangerous early marriage truly is,” he said.

The traditional ruler emphasised that community enlightenment and awareness campaigns are critical in tackling the issue. He urged leaders at the grassroots level to engage parents using clear explanations and real-life examples of the dangers associated with child marriage.

“When people understand the consequences — including medical complications like childbirth injuries — it becomes easier to convince them. Information must be broken down in a way they can relate to,” he stated.

He also advocated the use of structured community engagements, visual educational materials, and consistent dialogue to reinforce the message.

In addition, the Emir called for the establishment of local bylaws within communities to discourage child marriage, noting that traditional councils can play a decisive role in enforcing such measures.

“Once a community agrees on smart bylaws, people tend to comply. They know they are accountable not just to individuals, but to the system as a whole,” Ndanusa said.

He concluded by urging all stakeholders to work collectively to ensure that girls are protected, educated, and given the opportunity to reach their full potential.

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