... As Princess Adeola Shitu urges First Ladies, parents, guardians and stakeholders to protect girls’ rights, build their confidence and invest in their future
As the world marks the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, 2026, the Young Child In School Initiative (YCISI) is calling for urgent action to end child marriage and invest in girls’ rights, in line with this year’s theme: “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!”
Princess Adeola Shitu, Convener of YCISI, called on First Ladies across Nigeria and globally, including Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the National Assembly, governments, relevant agencies, NGOs, parents, guardians, law enforcement agencies and private-sector stakeholders to unite in protecting girls from child marriage, sexual abuse, trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
She urged the National Assembly to enact stronger, comprehensive child protection legislation that safeguards every Nigerian child, boys and girls alike, with particular attention to the vulnerabilities faced by girls. She emphasised that parents and guardians must also protect children, prioritise their education and well-being, and ensure that no child is exposed to abuse or exploitation.
The recent case of alleged sexual exploitation involving an eight-year-old girl in Onitsha, Anambra State, has again drawn attention to the urgent need for stronger protection for children. YCISI acknowledges the intervention of Anambra State First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, on the case and calls for sustained action to protect affected children and address similar incidents in Anambra and every other state across Nigeria.
“Investing in the girl child goes beyond education and empowerment. We must build her confidence, help her understand her rights and ensure she knows that the law protects her. Every girl deserves to grow up safely, speak up without fear, complete her education and have the opportunity to shape her future,” Shitu said.
YCISI believes that strong laws, responsible parenting, education and collective action are essential to ensuring that girls grow up with dignity, confidence and hope, free from child marriage and exploitation.
Every girl deserves a childhood, an education, protection and the confidence to shape her own future.
Happy International Day of the Girl Child 2026!
