The Nigeria Police Force has called for stronger child protection systems, coordinated institutional action and sustained investment in Girls’ education, safety and empowerment as part of efforts to end child marriage and advance Nigeria’s social development.
The call was made at the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child commemoration, organised by the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) in collaboration with the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, stressed that protecting girls from harmful practices required effective law enforcement, preventive interventions and stronger partnerships among government institutions, communities, civil society and the private sector.
“The Nigeria Police Force will continue to strengthen partnerships and support initiatives that protect our children, especially the girl child, from all forms of abuse, exploitation, and harmful practices,” the IGP stated.
Represented by DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, he described child marriage as a barrier to human development that deprives girls of education, health and opportunities to fulfil their potential, while increasing their exposure to poverty, violence and abuse.
The Police boss noted that investment in girls’ rights must extend beyond advocacy to practical interventions in education, healthcare, personal safety, leadership development and economic empowerment.
“When girls are given the opportunity to succeed, they become catalysts for positive change within their families, communities, and the nation at large,” he said.
Disu urged parents, traditional and religious leaders, educators, policymakers and development partners to strengthen collective action towards eliminating child marriage and creating safe environments where girls could learn, lead and contribute to national development.
The National Coordinator of POCACOV SP Onne Ikwen said protecting the girl child required sustained prevention, mentorship, community engagement and institutional collaboration to address the social conditions that expose children to violence, exploitation and harmful influences.
“Today is not merely an occasion on the calendar. It is a powerful reminder of our shared duty to protect the dignity, dreams and future of every girl,” the Coordinator said.
Ikwen linked girls’ protection and education to broader development outcomes, stressing that empowering girls strengthens families, communities and national productivity.
“If we educate a girl, we empower a family. If we protect a girl, we strengthen a community. If we encourage a girl to dream, we help build a stronger, safer and more prosperous nation,” the Coordinator stated.
Ikwen called on parents and guardians to support girls’ aspirations, while urging teachers and mentors to promote confidence, responsible decision-making and awareness of children’s rights.
Addressing the girls, the coordinator said: “Your background does not determine your destiny, and the challenges you face today do not have the power to define your tomorrow.”
The Speakers emphasised that ending child marriage required sustained investment, effective protection mechanisms and accountability, alongside collaboration among public institutions, communities and development partners to ensure that every girl can access education, live safely and realise her potential.
