Anambra State First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, has called on Nigerian families, communities and institutions to intensify efforts to end child marriage, protect girls from abuse.
She stressed that ensuring girls remain in school and safeguarding their rights are essential to Nigeria’s social and economic development.
Mrs Soludo made the call in a statement released in Awka by her media aide, Daniel Ezeigwe, to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, observed on October 11 under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!”
She said every girl deserved access to quality education, protection from abuse and discrimination, and the freedom to pursue her ambitions, irrespective of her family’s economic circumstances or social background.
“To every girl in Anambra State, I want you to know that your dreams matter, your voice deserves to be heard, and your future is worth fighting for,” she noted.
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The First Lady stressed that poverty and unsafe environments should not force girls to abandon their education or limit their aspirations.
She urged parents, guardians, schools, community leaders and relevant institutions across Nigeria to work together to protect girls and expand opportunities for their development.
“No girl should ever have to shrink her dreams because of her circumstances, surrender her education because of poverty, or live in fear when she deserves to feel safe and loved,” she said.
Addressing the theme of this year’s observance, Soludo emphasised that ending child marriage requires sustained efforts to tackle the social and economic conditions that expose girls to early marriage, disrupt their education and limit their opportunities for personal development.
The founder and CEO of healthy living with Nonye Soludo, Dr Nonye Soludo, urged families and communities to provide girls with the care, encouragement and support they need to build confidence, develop their talents and make informed decisions about their futures.
She noted that meaningful commitment must translate into access to education, safety and equal opportunities.
“May we give our girls more than words of encouragement; may we give them the love, protection, education, and opportunities they need to flourish,” she said.
Soludo extended her goodwill to girls and their families across the state and Nigeria, urging parents and guardians to remain committed to their daughters’ education, protection and overall development.
“Every girl deserves a childhood she can cherish, a present where she feels safe, and a future she can dream of without limits,” she added.
