Residents call for financial assistance, safer schools and stronger child protection to help girls complete their education.

By Atlantic Reports

Some Kano residents have urged government and community leaders to strengthen efforts against child marriage, saying girls need access to education, protection from abuse and support to pursue their ambitions.

Speaking in separate interviews on Sunday to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, the residents called for measures that address both harmful social attitudes and the financial pressures facing vulnerable families.

Their appeals focused on scholarships, safe learning environments, enforcement of child protection laws and effective channels for reporting abuse.

Support Families to Keep Girls in School

Mrs Rabi Abdul called for greater awareness among parents about the dangers of marrying off daughters before they were physically and emotionally mature.

She said poverty and cultural beliefs should not deprive girls of education or the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

Abdul urged the government to provide scholarships, school materials and financial assistance for vulnerable households, helping families keep their daughters in school.

She also called on parents and community leaders to prioritise girls’ welfare, allowing them to complete their education and make informed decisions about their futures.

Mrs Khadija Musa said ending child marriage required public awareness, enforcement of relevant laws and support for families experiencing economic hardship.

She urged the government to improve access to quality education and ensure that schools were safe places where girls were protected from abuse and discrimination.

Musa also called on traditional and religious leaders to promote girls’ education within their communities and encourage families to support their daughters’ talents and ambitions.

Safer Schools and Stronger Reporting Channels

Mr Naziru Ahmed said early marriage could interrupt schooling and restrict girls’ opportunities for personal and economic development.

He called for financial assistance for disadvantaged families alongside measures to prevent sexual harassment and other forms of violence.

Ahmed urged schools, families, community leaders and relevant agencies to work together to identify and protect girls at risk of early marriage.

Mr Bello Abdul said protecting girls also required changing attitudes that denied them opportunities available to boys.

He urged parents to give their daughters equal encouragement to learn, develop skills and pursue their goals.

Abdul called for enforcement of child protection laws, expanded educational opportunities and accessible channels for reporting abuse and harmful practices.

He also appealed to community leaders to speak against child marriage and work with families to protect girls.

The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on 11 October to draw attention to girls’ rights, leadership and protection from discrimination and violence. The residents’ appeals linked those rights to practical support that enables girls to remain in school and shape their own futures.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.