By: Abubakar Rabilu Gombe
A gender and girl-child advocate, Ambassador Fatima Mohd Paga, has raised the alarm over the impact of insecurity and child marriage on girls in the North-East, calling for stronger measures to protect them and guarantee their access to education.
Paga, the Focal Person of UN Women in Yobe State, said girls in conflict-affected and remote communities remained vulnerable to violence, forced marriage and early motherhood, particularly those held captive by non-state armed groups.
She made the call in a statement to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, themed “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls!”
Paga, who expressed concern over the challenges facing girls in the region, said insecurity had deprived many of their childhood, education, dignity and opportunities to realise their potential.
She said child marriage not only denied girls access to education but also exposed them to serious health risks, including obstetric fistula, complications during childbirth and death.
“No girl should have to sacrifice her childhood or her future because of circumstances beyond her control,” she said.
The advocate noted that Yobe State had made progress towards protecting children with the assent to the Child Rights Law by Governor Mai Mala Buni, but stressed the need for effective implementation and enforcement.
She, however, expressed concern that gender-based violence against girls, including rape, harassment and other forms of abuse, remained a serious challenge requiring urgent attention.
Paga also called for a change in the attitude of parents who regard the education of girls as a waste of time, saying such beliefs undermined their future and the development of society.
“Educating a girl is not a waste; it is an investment in her future, her family, her community and the development of our society,” she said.
She urged government institutions, security agencies, the media, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, parents and development partners to strengthen efforts to end child marriage, protect girls from violence and expand access to quality education.
According to her, stakeholders must move beyond commemorative activities to practical measures that guarantee girls’ safety, uphold their rights and create opportunities for them to fulfil their aspirations.
“Let us move beyond celebration to action. Let us protect the girl child, invest in her future, defend her rights and give her the opportunity to become everything she is capable of being,” she said.
Paga added that every girl deserved a safe childhood, quality education, a voice and the opportunity to build a better future.
