National Human Right, NGO Call for Urgent Action Against Child Marriage and Abuse

By Yinka Adeyemi 

A Non Governmental Organization – Reachout Initiative and the National Human Right Commission has called on the government and other stakeholders to protect the girl child future through collective actions against child marriage, molestation and Abuse. 

Speaking separately, the National Coordinator of the Reachout Initiative, Mrs. Favour Eboatu made the disclosure during the celebration of International Day of the Girl Child 2025 held in Abuja on Tuesday. 

She said the themed: “The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the front lines of crisis.” Today, we gather not only to celebrate our girls but also to recognize the challenges they face, especially Early pregnancy, molestation, abuse, child marriage, limited access to education, and insecurity in many parts of our nation. 

The Coordinator stressed that the initiative  was launched in 2018 to address these crises threatening the girl child future with a collective action, we can turn them into opportunities for change.

“In line with this commitment, we are delighted to announce our intent to launch the Change Leaders Guild today, a school-based club where girls can speak out safely, report cases of abuse, molestation, and other challenges they face. 

“Through this platform, such reports will reach the appropriate government authorities and stakeholders, ensuring that the voices of girls are not silenced but heard, respected, and acted upon. This initiative will give our girls both protection and leadership, empowering them to become advocates of change in their schools and communities.

“Our program today brings together parents, schools, communities, and leaders to commit to one message: the girl child is not a victim but a leader in the making. When we educate and empower a girl, we transform a family, a community, and indeed, our nation.

Mrs. Eboatu outlined that the Federal Government should has a crucial role to play in addressing these vices through enacting  and enforcing laws that prohibit child marriage, abuse, and molestation.

The National Coordinator said “We are deeply grateful to our partners, supporters, and schools, but specially, I want to publicly appreciate Nigerian Bottling Company for their donation, National Human Rights Commission Management for this spacious Hall and all others who have joined hands to make this program possible. Together, we are raising our voices to protect the future of our girls and celebrate the leadership they are already showing on the Frontline of crisis.

In his goodwill message, the Executive Director of National Human Right Commission, Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu represented by the Director of Child Right, Mrs. Uge stressed ” As we mark this important day, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of every girl child in Nigeria. When we empower girls, we empower families, communities, and the entire nation.

The Executive Secretary noted that NHRC joins Reach Out Initiatives and partners in commemorating this significant day, affirming its commitment to the promotion and protection of the girl– child rights in Nigeria.

The Keynote Speaker, Olajumoke Jenyo during her presentation called on the government for a stringent penalties to ensure protection of the Girl child. 

She said ” the government should Increase penalties by imposing  harsher offences for perpetrators of child abuse and molestation and ensure laws prioritize victims’ safety, support, and compensation.

 Olajumoke “The home must be the first safe haven for every girl. Schools must go beyond academics to teach resilience, empathy, and leadership. Communities must help the girl child to reject silence and replace it with protection. This is the only way the girl Child can take full ownership of her present aspirations and future developments. Furthermore, the governments must move from making promises to taking measurable action,ensuring every girl can live, learn, and lead without fear.

“Very importantly, In our society today, digital exclusion has become the new face of poverty. A girl without access to technology risks being left behind in learning, in opportunity, and in leadership. Yet, I understand our fears as parents and teachers. In Nigeria, many of us are cautious about exposing our children especially our girls to technology. We worry about what they might see, who they might meet, or how it might change them. 

But while we protect them, we must not deny them the future. The answer is not fear, but guidance and digital safety. Let us teach our girls to use technology with wisdom, courage, and purpose to learn, to create, and to lead. Because the future will not wait, it will belong to girls who are not just online, but empowered to shape, build, and transform their world through technology. That is why I am deeply inspired by today’s launch of the Change Leaders Guild, a practical, girl-led initiative that gives voice, visibility, and protection to our young girls.

It will not just be a club, but a movement. A safe space for girls to speak up, report abuse, learn digital skills, and lead peer support efforts. When girls have the tools and the network, they don’t just protect themselves, they lift others with them.

“Today’s event, beautifully hosted by Reach Out Initiatives for Vulnerable African Women, reminds us that real change often begins not in conference rooms, but in communities.

Organizations like this are the bridge between policy and people, turning advocacy into action and reaching girls who might otherwise be left behind. I sincerely commend Reach Out Initiatives for its vision consistency, compassion, and commitment to the African girl.However, beyond the applause, Other NGO and Government agencies need to emulate this efforts towards creating farther coverage of the awareness in other to make the girl child as an independent entity.”

She appealed to the government to Develop a comprehensive national policy to prevent child marriage, abuse, and molestation by Launching nationwide awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of child marriage and abuse.

The Executive Director of Reachout Initiative, Peter  Eboatu stressed the need to establish and fund support services for victims, including counseling, healthcare, and legal aid.

He revealed that the NGO is targeted at giving back to the society by contributing their quota to the challenges girl child encounters in the society. 

“Girls are on the Frontline of the insecurity crisis bewildering the country like banditry, kidnapping, theft as they’re being harassed on daily basis. We are creating a channel where these girls will voice out not to die in silence.”

The highlights of the event was a panel session, goodwill messages by key stakeholders and launched of the Change leaders guild with four schools in attendance.