Child Marriage: UNICEF Seeks Traditional, Religious Leaders’ Support

A child protection specialist with UNICEF, Mr Dennis Onoise, has called on traditional and religious leaders to fight against child marriage in Nigeria.
Mr Onoise made the call in Zaria during the phase one of a two-day workshop on the impact of Violence Against Children (VAC).
According to Onoise, traditional and religious leaders have a tremendous role to play to reduce child marriage; a development he noted is a prevalent in northern part of Nigeria.
He said that the role of traditional and religious leaders could not be over emphasised as they hold a highly respected position in the society.
”We believe that traditional leaders they can change the negative social norms practiced by their subjects.
The expert identified child marriage as one of the factors responsible for girls less than 18 years suffering from Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF).
He described child marriage as a disturbing form of VAC, adding that children concerned were mostly denied the right for childhood while their physical, emotional and psychological health were also affected.
Onoise noted that the girl-child might be seen as physically developed but lacked the mental and psychological maturity and as such could not act or take a decision like an adult.