From Idris Khalid, Bauchi
Former Bauchi State First Lady, Hajiya Hadiza Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar, has called on parents, community leaders, governments and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to end child marriage, promote girls’ education and invest in the future of every girl child.
Hadiza made the call in a statement personally signed by her on Sunday to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, themed “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls.”
She highlighted the urgent need to protect girls from early marriage and other harmful practices that deprive them of their childhood, education, fundamental rights and opportunities to realise their full potential.
According to her, every girl deserved to grow up in a safe and supportive environment, access quality education, acquire valuable skills and contribute meaningfully to her family, community and society.
Hadiza, wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Bauchi State election, noted that child marriage exposes girls to numerous challenges, including school dropout, early pregnancy, health complications, emotional distress and limited economic opportunities.
She therefore urged parents and guardians to protect their daughters from early marriage and support them in pursuing their educational and career aspirations.
She also encouraged girls to take their education seriously, remain focused on their studies, acquire relevant skills and resist pressures that could hinder the realisation of their ambitions.
The former first lady urged girls to believe in themselves, develop confidence and recognise that their future should not be limited by their gender or circumstances.
She further called on parents to take their responsibilities seriously by providing adequate care, guidance, moral support and encouragement to their children.
According to her, mothers have a crucial role to play in shaping the character, values, confidence and future of both their daughters and sons.
She stressed the need for parents to listen to their children, understand their needs, encourage open communication and create an environment where girls feel safe to express themselves and seek guidance.
“Rather than rushing their daughters into marriage, parents should support them to complete their education, acquire skills, and become responsible, independent, and productive members of society,” she said.
Hadiza also urged governments at all levels to strengthen policies and programmes aimed at protecting girls from child marriage, improving access to quality education, providing scholarships and vocational training, and supporting girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
She called on religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations, teachers and community members to work together to challenge harmful practices and promote the rights and welfare of the girl child.
The former first lady maintained that investing in girls goes beyond sending them to school, noting that it also involves providing mentorship, healthcare, digital skills, leadership opportunities, protection from violence and the resources needed to build successful futures.
She said communities must recognise girls as valuable contributors to development and ensure that no girl is denied the opportunity to fulfil her dreams because of poverty, discrimination or harmful cultural practices.
Hadiza called on all stakeholders to translate the message of the International Day of the Girl Child into practical action by protecting girls, ending child marriage, supporting mothers and families, and ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.
