Police, POWA, POCACOV Call for End to Child Marriage, Urge Investment in Girl-Child Education

Police, POWA, POCACOV Call for End to Child Marriage, Urge Investment in Girl-Child Education

The Nigeria Police Force, Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) and Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) have called for an end to child marriage, urging parents, community leaders and policymakers to protect the rights of girls and invest in their education, safety and future.

The call was made during a programme organised by POWA and POCACOV to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, where speakers warned that early marriage deprives girls of education, childhood and opportunities to fulfil their potential.

Representing the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Logistics and Supply, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, described the protection of the girl-child as both a legal obligation and a moral responsibility shared by government institutions, families and society.

He commended POWA and POCACOV for their collaboration, noting that child marriage exposes girls to poverty, violence and abuse while limiting their access to education and opportunities for personal development.

“The Nigeria Police Force recognises that protecting the girl-child is not merely a legal obligation, but also a moral and societal responsibility,” he said.

The IGP’s representative reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons through law enforcement, community engagement, public awareness and partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

He added that investing in girls’ education, healthcare, safety, leadership opportunities and economic empowerment would contribute to national development, peace and security.

The President of POWA, Mrs Olufunmilayo Disu, represented by Mrs Zainab Ishaku Muhammed, wife of the DIG in charge of Training, urged Nigerians to challenge harmful traditions and social pressures that perpetuate child marriage.

She stressed that cultural heritage should not be used to justify practices that undermine children’s rights, adding that educating girls equips them to make informed decisions, build healthier families, lead institutions and contribute meaningfully to society.

POWA also urged parents to listen to their daughters, respect their views and create supportive homes where girls can express themselves without fear. Government institutions, religious leaders, traditional rulers, schools and communities were equally urged to strengthen child-protection measures and enforce relevant laws.

Addressing the girls, Mrs Muhammed encouraged them to pursue their ambitions without allowing societal expectations to limit their dreams.

“Your education, safety and future matter. Never allow anyone to convince you that your dreams must end where their expectations begin,” she said.

Earlier, the National Coordinator of POCACOV, Superintendent of Police Orvenonne Ikwen, described the commemoration as an opportunity to renew collective efforts to end child marriage and protect girls from abuse, exploitation and discrimination.

She called for increased public awareness, mentorship programmes, educational support and stronger collaboration among parents, schools, government agencies, civil society organisations and the private sector.

Ikwen also urged girls to understand their rights, make responsible choices and seek help from trusted adults or police officers whenever they feel unsafe.

In her keynote address, Commissioner of Police Sarah Ehindero, speaking on the theme, “Investing in the Rights of the Girl-Child: Ending Child Marriage and Building a Safer Future for Every Girl,” described child marriage as a harmful practice that forces children into responsibilities for which they are not physically, emotionally or psychologically prepared.

She explained that early marriage disrupts a girl’s development, education and ability to make informed decisions about her future.

“Child marriage is not simply a private family matter,” Ehindero said, warning that the practice could undermine girls’ physical health, emotional wellbeing, education and long-term prospects.

She identified poverty, gender inequality, insecurity, harmful social norms and limited access to education as some of the factors contributing to child marriage. She cautioned that perceived financial benefits or the expectation of protection through marriage must never take precedence over a child’s rights and best interests.

Police pledge professional handling of child-abuse cases

Ehindero reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to investigating reported cases involving children and working with relevant institutions to ensure victims receive appropriate protection and access to justice.

She noted that effective child-protection efforts often require collaboration among the police, medical personnel, social welfare officers, relevant ministries and the Ministry of Justice, particularly where prosecution becomes necessary.

The commissioner emphasised that protecting children requires more than responding after abuse has occurred, calling for public education, community engagement, early intervention and the identification of children at risk.

She urged parents, teachers, religious institutions and community leaders to report suspected cases of child marriage, abuse, exploitation and trafficking.

Encouraging children to seek help whenever they face danger, she reassured them of the police force’s commitment to their safety.

“Police is your friend. Police will always be your friend,” she told the girls.

The speakers agreed that ending child marriage requires sustained action beyond annual commemorations, including access to quality education, stronger child-protection systems, enforcement of relevant laws and a change in social attitudes that expose girls to harm.

They called on families, institutions, communities and development partners to work together to ensure that every girl enjoys her childhood, remains in school and has the opportunity to pursue her ambitions in a safe and supportive environment.

Police, POWA, POCACOV Call for End to Child Marriage, Urge Investment in Girl-Child Education