The Kaduna State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to end child marriage by improving access to education, food security and economic growth.
Acting Governor of the State, Hadiza Balarabe, made the pledge at the inauguration of a two-day experience-sharing workshop on child marriage in Kaduna.
She added that child marriage has been identified as one of the key challenges affecting the northern part of the country, which portends negative consequences on education, sexual and reproductive health.
According to her, child and forced marriage are harmful and a violation of human rights, stressing the need to change the narrative towards ending the menace in the country.
The Acting Governor added that government had introduced 12-year free and compulsory education for all in the state.
On her part, the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hafsat Baba described child marriage as a global issue and harmful practice to the society. She advised parents and guardians not to push children under the age of 18 to early marriage, adding the practice caused devastating end to the life of a child.
In his remarks, UNFPA Specialist, Adolescent Health, Reproductive Health and Youth Development, Bahijjatu Garko, urged the Kaduna State Government to adopt practical measures to fast-track the implementation of compulsory and free education programme to end child marriage.
