Plateau government vows to enforce laws against child marriage, warns offenders

The Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, Olivia Dazyem, gave the warning during a roundtable discussion on child marriage and teenage pregnancy in the state.

The meeting brought together community and religious leaders, teachers, gender advocates and female students from various secondary schools to discuss the causes and consequences of child marriage and its impact on the girl child.

During the engagement, students were also educated on the dangers of early marriage and its implications for their future.

The commission described child marriage as a serious social concern requiring collective intervention, noting that its consequences extend beyond the affected girls to their families and society at large.

Community leaders at the meeting pledged to intensify awareness campaigns in their respective communities and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to discourage the practice.

Participants also stressed the importance of protecting girls’ rights, ensuring access to education and creating opportunities for their proper development.