The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, recently announced plans to marry off 100 female orphans in the state due to concerns about their increasing numbers resulting from banditry activities. However, this decision has faced criticism from the Take It Back Movement, Nigeria (TIB), which deems it insensitive and demands its revocation.
The orphans, who lost their parents to banditry attacks in the Mariga Local Government Area, are set to be married off as part of Sarkindaji’s constituency project, with the Speaker covering the bridegrooms’ dowries. TIB, in response, condemns the plan as disturbing, emphasizing the need for sustainable investment in the welfare and education of women and girls.
TIB’s Gender Department, led by Omolola Pedro, questions the Speaker’s definition of empowerment, stating that marrying off orphaned girls does not address their needs adequately. They argue that the government should compensate the girls for their loss and provide education and opportunities to improve their lives. TIB criticizes the prevalence of child marriage in Nigeria, attributing it to the lack of enforcement of laws against it.
Highlighting the education crisis in Niger state, TIB points out that over 700,000 out-of-school children, including 250,000 girls, further exacerbate the situation. They suggest that Sarkindaji should prioritize the education of these girls as his constituency project instead of resorting to child marriage.
TIB asserts that child marriage persists in Nigeria due to the failure of both federal and state governments to effectively enforce laws against it. They condemn Sarkindaji’s endorsement of child marriage as a constitutional project, calling for an end to the oppression of women and girls in the country.
In conclusion, TIB urges Sarkindaji to abandon the plan to marry off the orphaned girls and instead focus on providing them with education and life skills. They advocate for gender-friendly governance that opposes all forms of gender-based violence and oppression.
Sahara Reporters