By Regina Aforgu
The need to end child marriage and expand opportunities for girls took centre stage as Idemili South Local Government Area(LGA) marked the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child with a call for greater investment in girls’ education, health and skills development.
The event, held at the LGA headquarters in Ojoto on Oct. 14, brought together students from secondary schools across the LGA, including Madonna International Secondary School, Nnobi, and other schools from Ojoto, Alor, Nnokwa and Oba.
Declaring the event open, the Mayor of Idemili South, Hon. Oluchukwu John Ilogbenu, warned that child marriage deprives girls of their childhood, education and the opportunity to fulfil their potential in professions such as medicine, engineering, teaching and science.
He encouraged the students to speak up against forced or early marriage, assuring them of support, urging anyone facing pressure to marry against their wishes to report the matter to the local government secretariat.
In her keynote address, the resource person, Dr. Chioma Nwosu, explained that the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” highlights the need to protect girls from early marriage while ensuring access to education, healthcare and skills development.
Dr. Nwosu expressed concern about the financial difficulties confronting some girls, tasking ward councillors to identify vulnerable girls in their communities and support them in overcoming barriers to education and personal development.
She stressed that investing in girls benefits entire families and communities, urging the students to remain focused on their studies and take responsibility for building a brighter future.
Encouraging them to believe in their abilities, she led the students in an affirmation: “I matter, I am very important, I am the key to the light of my family.”
In a move to encourage young people to pursue their ambitions, the mayor directed the Head of Department of Education to compile the names and contact details of students who presented speeches on their career aspirations. The information, he said, would help facilitate mentorship and support for the students.
The event featured a cultural dance performance by Madonna International Secondary School, Nnobi, and the presentation of gift packs to students.
A major highlight was the mayor’s announcement that computers would be installed at the local government secretariat, alongside free computer training for students to strengthen their digital skills and prepare them for the next Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.
The celebration underscored the importance of protecting girls’ rights, supporting those facing financial and social challenges, and creating opportunities for every girl to learn, grow and achieve her aspirations.
Regina Aforgu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
#InternationalDayOfTheGirlChild #EndChildMarriage #InvestInGirls
