No fewer than 473,429 Nigerians have called on the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to ban and criminalise child marriage in the country.
According to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, in their latest report, Nigeria has the 11th highest percentage of child marriage in the world.
UNICEF added that about 44 per cent of the female Nigerian population got married off before their 18th birthday. “That is 40 million people. Imagine if we had 40 million more people working towards solving the issues of our country. Child marriage also leads to a number of illnesses for the girl child, ranging from vesicovaginal fistula, sexually transmitted infection, high blood pressure and postpartum depression, amongst others.
“A child as young as 11 can be married off; this leads to numerous complications not only for the child but also for the economy as a whole. “Sign this petition to ban child marriage in Nigeria and make the constitution clearer and ensure that the law is enforced all over the country. I guarantee you it will change a life,” the petition added.All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
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