The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending child marriage, promising stronger enforcement of laws to protect young girls from early unions that hinder their future.

Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi made this pledge in Ilorin on Thursday while receiving members of the National Coalition of Civil Society to End Child Marriage in Nigeria. He stressed the dangers of child marriage, particularly its impact on girls’ mental well-being and aspirations.

“Marriage requires commitment and understanding, and children below 18 are not prepared for such responsibilities,” Alabi stated. “Early marriage takes away their dreams. We must protect them and ensure they have the opportunity to thrive.”

He assured the coalition of the government’s partnership through the Ministry of Social Development to implement policies that safeguard young girls from harmful practices.

The National Co-chair of the Coalition, Kolawole Olatosimi, commended Kwara State for its proactive measures in protecting the girl-child and urged the government to intensify efforts in enforcing legal frameworks.

“Kwara has shown leadership in tackling child marriage, but more needs to be done to strengthen legal protections and support victims,” Olatosimi said. He also called for the timely release of funds to support girl-child initiatives in education and skills acquisition.

The coalition, which has a global network of 110 organizations, presented a policy report on child protection, expressing its readiness to work with the government to improve the lives of young girls in Kwara State.