Buhari Breaks Silence On Girl-Child Marriage, Reducing Out-Of-School Children

On-going efforts to end child marriage and improve girl-child education will be sustained in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari has promised.

The president opined that it was the collective duty to ensure that mothers of today and tomorrow are educated, encouraged and empowered.

This, he said while commissioning the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs Headquarters in Abuja.

In a statement made available to newsmen through his media aide, Femi Adesina, Buhari 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.

He said emphasis are been laied on the girl-child education while noting that the percentage of young girls who are out of scholl is very high due to socio-economic pressures, which 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 encouraged the Ministry to continue to coordinate all matters relating to the plight of Nigerian women and the most vulnerable citizens.

He said Nigerian women should continue to render their support so as to ensure the Ministry delivers on its mandate.

The President commended the ministry and other relevant government agencies for positive contributions in reducing human trafficking incidents and maternal mortality.

‘‘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,’’ he said.