Buhari Promises to sustain fight against child marriage

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja said the Federal Government of Nigeria will not relent in the effort to end child marriage and improve girl-child education in the Nation. The message of assurance to Nigerians was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President, Femi Adesina.

The President said: ‘‘Our quest is to ensure that concerns of women, children, and other vulnerable citizens are given prominence and ultimately addressed. ‘‘A key priority of our government is the development and implementation of social inclusion and economic sustenance policies. Our determination is to ensure that economic growth and prosperity are felt by as wide a circle as possible. ‘‘In particular, we are laying great emphasis on education of the girl– child. The high level of young girls who are out of school or unable to complete school due to socio-economic pressures is disturbing and must be addressed.”

‘‘The launch of the National Strategy to End Child Marriage, 2016 – 2021 has been the first critical step towards increasing children’s access to quality all-round education and enhancing the retention of the girl-child in our schools, ’’ the President said. ‘‘I expect this Ministry to maintain its lead coordinating role on these, and other women’s related matters working with State Governments as well as our regional and international partners,’’ The President added.