Protecting girl-child is a moral, societal responsibility – Police

The Nigeria Police Force, the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) and the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) have known as for an finish to youngster marriage, urging mother and father, group leaders and policymakers to guard the rights of the girl-child and put money into her schooling, security and future.

The name was made throughout a programme commemorating the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child. The occasion was organised by a collaboration between POWA and POCACOV, with senior cops and youngster-safety advocates warning that early marriage deprives women of their childhood, schooling and alternatives to fulfil their potential.

Representing the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police accountable for Logistics and Supply, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, described the safety of the girl-child as each a authorized obligation and a ethical responsibility shared by authorities establishments, households and society.

He pressured that poverty, dangerous cultural practices, gender inequality and insecurity should not be allowed to justify the denial of women’ basic rights.

He counseled POCACOV and POWA for organising the programme, noting that their collaboration mirrored a widespread dedication to safeguarding the dignity, rights and future of women.

According to him, youngster marriage stays a main barrier to women’ development, exposing them to poverty, violence, abuse and restricted life alternatives whereas denying them entry to schooling and the prospect to understand their full potential.

“The Nigeria Police Force recognises that protecting the girl-child is not merely a legal obligation, but also a moral and societal responsibility,” he stated.

The IGP’s consultant reaffirmed the police pressure’s dedication to defending youngsters and different weak individuals by legislation enforcement, group engagement, public consciousness and strategic partnerships with related stakeholders.

He added that investing in women’ schooling, well being, security, management alternatives and financial empowerment would contribute to peace, safety and nationwide growth.

On her half, the President of POWA, Mrs Olufunmilayo Disu, represented by the spouse of the DIG accountable for Training, Mrs Zainab Ishaku Muhammed, urged Nigerians to problem dangerous traditions and social pressures that perpetuate youngster marriage.

She maintained that cultural heritage mustn’t grow to be an excuse for practices that undermine youngsters’s rights, stressing that traditions ought to present women with id and a sense of belonging slightly than impose limitations on their aspirations.