As the world marks the International Day for the Girl-Child, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), on Sunday, decried the alarming number of child marriage in Nigeria.
The chairperson of FIDA, Ekiti Chapter, Mrs Odunayo Oluwatoyin, disclosed this during an interview with newsmen to celebrate this year’s International Day of the Girl-Child themed “My voice, our equal rights”.
Mrs Odunayo expressed worry at the rate at which girls are forced to drop out of school and force into early marriage against their will, noting that non-compliance results into maltreated by parents and other family members.
“We have many cases of forced marriages to the extent that girls of less than 18 years are being forced into child marriage against their will.
“I also want to admonish the people out there to give our girls child voice in the society. They should be allowed to express their opinion.
“Their rights should not be infringed upon. They should not be forced to early marriage. And they should not be deprived as a result of their gender.
”Our girls should be focused, consistent and be assertive when taking decisions.
“Our daughters are special. Pay attention and listen to them. Equip, support and enable them to be the best they can be,” she stressed.
The federation celebrated the girl-child day for some girl-child at the Fajuyi Memorial park with lots of exciting moments of fun such as bouncing castle, spelling competition, swimming, among others.
Some of the participants appreciated FIDA for celebrating them, while promising to make their voices heard in the society.