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PLASGEOC Raises Alarm Over Child Marriage, Calls for Greater Protection of Girls in Plateau
The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission (PLASGEOC) has called for stronger community action against child marriage, warning that the practice exposes girls to gender-based violence, trafficking, educational disruption and other forms of abuse.
Chairperson of the Commission, Olivia Dazel, made the call during an engagement to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, held on October 5 at Villa Grand Hotel, Jos, with the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!”
Dazel described child marriage as a major contributor to gender-based violence, stressing that it deprives girls of education, limits their opportunities and exposes them to physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
She noted that Plateau State already has legal provisions prohibiting child marriage, including the Child Rights Law 2005, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law and the Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission Law.
“Early marriage for the girl child exposes her to sexual and gender-based violence. One of the very dangerous consequences is the withdrawal of the child from education or the termination of her educational pursuit. That opportunity terminates her future,” she said.
Dazel urged parents and community leaders to ensure that girls remain in school, acquire skills and become empowered to make informed decisions about their lives. She also encouraged girls to speak out against abuse and other violations of their rights.
Earlier, the Secretary of PLASGEOC, Barrister Nalong Gumut, described the commemoration as a call to action, urging stakeholders to work collectively towards ending early marriage and creating opportunities for girls to thrive.
“Every girl deserves childhood and education and a chance to thrive,” Gumut said, adding that the engagement was designed to enlighten girls on their rights and develop practical strategies for addressing early marriage.
A particularly moving moment at the event was the testimony of a survivor of early marriage, Cinthian, who recounted how teenage pregnancy interrupted her secondary education and led to an abusive marriage.
She further narrated how attempts to seek better opportunities through friends exposed her to human trafficking and sexual exploitation across different countries.
According to her, intervention by the Gender Commission, following contact with her parents, eventually helped facilitate efforts towards her rescue.
Speaking on the rights of the girl child, the Plateau State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, Pukuma Uko Felix, said girls are entitled to fundamental rights, including education, identity, freedom of expression, dignity and protection from harmful cultural practices.
He stressed that protecting girls is not merely a moral responsibility but a legal obligation, urging the Commission to extend similar awareness engagements to parents to help them understand their responsibilities.
Also speaking, presenter on child marriage and its consequences, Yonpan Dariem, highlighted its effects on girls’ health, education, safety, livelihood and dignity, urging girls to understand their rights, report abuse and seek help from trusted adults.
Students who participated in the engagement also called for increased awareness, stronger enforcement of existing laws and support for girls affected by early pregnancy.
One of the students, Favour Wetkos of Federal Government College, Jos, stressed the need for government to support affected girls rather than abandon them.
She said, “They should encourage them and make them understand that that is not the end of life. There is more even after pregnancy. They can be single mothers. We have stories of single mothers who have thrived.”
Similarly, Adoh Ethel Joseph Izang of St. Theresa’s Girls College, Jos, called for mental health support, educational assistance and help with childcare for girls who become pregnant early, noting that they should still have opportunities to achieve their ambitions.
Community leaders and representatives of religious and cultural organisations also pledged support for efforts to address the practice.
Ambassador Nanpon Danjuma Sheni of the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN) reaffirmed the importance of equal opportunities for girls, stressing that they deserve the same education, welfare and privileges as boys.
“I have two daughters, and I am very proud of them. Everything that I should have given to a boy child, I am giving to my girl child,” he said, calling on communities to protect the rights of girls in their homes and societies.
The engagement brought together stakeholders, students, community representatives and government institutions to discuss practical ways of ending child marriage and strengthening the protection of girls across Plateau State.
The Plateau State Government has commended the 17 Local Government Council Chairmen for their commitment to grassroots development following a statewide inspection tour of completed and ongoing projects across the three senatorial zones of the state.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Chief Ephraim Usman Gar, gave the commendation on Thursday, November 5, 2026, during a press briefing in Jos, where he presented the findings of the ministry’s inspection exercise.
The tour, which covered all 17 Local Government Areas, was organised to assess the progress and quality of projects initiated by the respective councils, ensure accountability in the utilisation of public funds and determine how effectively local government resources are translating into tangible benefits for residents.
Gar explained that the exercise was part of the ministry’s statutory responsibility to monitor, inspect, guide and provide technical support to local governments, particularly in administration, financial management and the delivery of essential services.
The inspection team comprised the ministry’s management staff, the Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Jonathan Dabo, representatives of Civil Society Organisations and members of the media.
Expressing satisfaction with the projects inspected, the Commissioner said the performance of the council chairmen demonstrated their commitment to the development vision of the Mutfwang administration.
“I am pleased to report that the 17 Council Chairmen have not disappointed the ‘Time Is Now’ administration. Providing dividends of democracy at the grassroots remains the top priority of this administration. From what we have seen, governance has truly been taken closer to the people,” Gar stated.
Southern Zone: Councils Invest in Infrastructure, Healthcare and Security
The inspection exercise began in the Southern Senatorial Zone, where the team assessed several projects targeting infrastructure development, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and security.
Projects inspected included the ongoing remodelling of youth centres, mini stadiums, Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, legislative chambers, solar-powered streetlights, primary healthcare facilities, motorised boreholes and housing estates for legislators.
The team also visited the Wase Rock Radio and Television Station and facilities at the temporary headquarters of the 175 Infantry Motorcycle Battalion of the Nigerian Army.
Gar described the councils’ support for facilities connected to security operations as a demonstration of the important role local governments can play in strengthening peace and security within their communities.
Central Zone: 23km Road, Healthcare Facilities Feature in Inspection
In the Central Senatorial Zone, the inspection team visited Kanam, Kanke, Pankshin, Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas, where it assessed several completed and ongoing projects.
A major highlight was the 23-kilometre Gugur Road construction project in Kanke LGA, which is expected to improve transportation and connectivity for residents and communities along the route.
Other projects inspected included the remodelled Dengi Multipurpose Hall, primary healthcare centres and the 1,500-capacity event hall in Mangu.
At Plateau State University, Bokkos, the team inspected a 200-capacity Anatomy Laboratory reportedly funded by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
The inspection also covered the Palace of the Ngolong Ngas and transformers provided for rural electrification, reflecting investments in traditional institutions, educational infrastructure and electricity supply.
Northern Zone: Bridges, Markets and Rural Electrification Under Assessment
The Northern Senatorial Zone, which constituted the final phase of the exercise, covered Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Jos East, Jos North, Jos South and Riyom Local Government Areas.
In the zone, the team inspected projects designed to improve healthcare delivery, rural connectivity, commercial activities, security and administrative efficiency.
Among the facilities visited were primary healthcare centres at Sabon Gari, Chinye-Miango, Garba Daho and Furaka, as well as rural electrification projects in Miango.
The inspection also covered council secretariat complexes, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres and ultra-modern markets at Rishari-Rutara and Zarakon.
Other notable infrastructure included bridges linking Farin Gada to Rusau and Vwang to Kogot, police station outposts, and town halls in Kwang and Kuru.
According to the Commissioner, the projects reflect efforts by the respective councils to address the developmental needs and priorities of their communities.
Gar Appreciates Mutfwang, Reaffirms Commitment to Grassroots Development
Assessing the overall outcome of the statewide exercise, Gar maintained that the projects inspected across the 17 LGAs were largely people-oriented and aligned with the needs of residents.
He emphasised that sustained commitment by council chairmen, alongside effective collaboration with the state government, remained critical to achieving inclusive and sustainable development at the grassroots.
The Commissioner also appreciated Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his support and cooperation, noting that the ministry and local government councils had been given the opportunity to discharge their responsibilities without undue interference.
He further commended the 17 Council Chairmen, traditional institutions, media organisations and Civil Society Organisations for their cooperation and participation throughout the inspection exercise.
The statewide inspection underscores the Plateau State Government’s emphasis on accountability, effective service delivery and inclusive development through the local government system.
With projects covering roads, healthcare, education, electricity, security, markets, youth development and community infrastructure, the exercise provided an opportunity to evaluate how public resources are being deployed to improve living conditions and extend the benefits of governance to communities across Plateau State.
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