The Kwara State Government has pledged to safeguard the girl child from early marriage, partnering with the National Coalition of Civil Society to End Child Marriage in Nigeria to advance this objective.

Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi made this commitment during a meeting in Ilorin, the state capital, with representatives of the coalition. Speaking to LEADERSHIP , he stressed the urgent need to protect young girls from child marriage, highlighting its detrimental impact on their mental health, education, and long-term prospects.

The collaboration aims to raise awareness, advocate for policy reforms, and provide support systems to deter the practice, which remains a significant challenge in many communities. Deputy Governor Alabi reiterated the administration's resolve to prioritise the welfare and empowerment of girls, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue education and realise their potential.

“Those below 18 cannot survive marriage because it requires compromise and commitment, and this is for better, for worse. The girls lose their vision, and we need to protect our girls from early marriage,” he said.

Alabi also emphasised the importance of implementing laws to curb such practices while assuring his visitors of partnership through the Ministry of Social Development.

He assured the state government would continue implementing progressive measures to safeguard the girls.

Earlier, the national co-chair of the coalition, Mr Kolawole Olatosimi, had commended the state government for its proactive efforts in enforcing girl-child protection policies.

Olatosimi described Kwara as one of the leading states implementing such initiatives and urged the government to strengthen legal protections for those at risk and victims of child marriage.

He appealed for a budget release to fund initiatives for girl children to empower them in their education and skills acquisition.

He pledged the coalition's support for government initiatives to improve the lives of women and girls.

Olatosimi later presented a policy report and analysis on girl-child protection for the government's consideration.