By Murtala Muhammad
Stakeholders in Bauchi and Gombe states have advocated additional investment in girl child education to protect the girls against harmful cultural practices, social norms and Gender Based Violence (GBV).
They made the call at an event in Gombe to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, themed “End Child Marriage, Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
The day is celebrated annually on 11 October, to raise awareness around issues affecting the girl child, their development and thriving.
The event, organised by the Bauchi and Gombe state governments with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Bauchi Field Office, drew participants from the two states.
It brought together journalists and policy makers alongside traditional leaders Non Governmental Organisations, with adolescent girls sharing their life experiences, dreams and aspirations as well as challenges.
The girls who were passionate about education, life skills and thriving, expressed fear over forced child marriages being practiced in some communities across the two states.
Available statistics indicate that child marriages are high in Bauchi and Gombe states.
In an interactive with Radio Nigeria, one of the girls who claimed anonimity called for urgent government attention, suggesting application of stringent punishment against perpetrators.
Commenting on the day, the Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique said across the globe, the best investment to ending child marriage is education, calling for collective action and in that direction.
According to Dr Rafique when a girl child is given the opportunity to access sound education, she would benefit her family, community and the society in general.
An advocate of girl child education, Hannatu Gideon Ɗan Bauchi called on governments to invest more in the sector and intensify supervision in public schools for improved students’ performance.
The Gender Desk Officer, Bauchi State Ministry of Justice, Maimuna Ibrahim acknowledged the recent gazetting of Child Protection Law in the state, saying if fully implemented, it would reduce abuses against the girl child.
She emphasised that investment in girl child education was a good avenue for ensuring their protection against harmful practices.
Deputy Director, Gombe State’s Ministry for Local Government and Community Development, Abdurrahman AbdulRazak assured government’s commitment to protect the girl child and appreciated UNICEF for supporting the state in health, education, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sectors.
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