As a humanitarian journalistic outfit, SI Magazine has been following the controversy surrounding the planned marriage of 100 girls in Niger State, sponsored by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Barr. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji. While the gesture has been met with both praise and criticism, we believe it is essential to take a neutral stand and advocate for the welfare and empowerment of the young girls at the center of this debate.
First and foremost, SI Magazine urges that the children involved should not be used as pawns in any political or religious tussle. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and their well-being should be the top priority. We implore all parties involved to put aside their differences and ensure that the girls’ interests are protected.
Furthermore, we demand that any individuals seeking to marry these girls must sign a bond committing to educate them. We strongly believe that empowering these young women through education is crucial in building a prosperous Nigeria. By signing this bond, their prospective husbands will be held accountable for ensuring their wives’ access to education, which will, in turn, contribute to the betterment of our society.
The standoff between the Speaker, his supporters, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, is needless and unproductive. Rather than engaging in public spats, we call on both parties to put their resources together to ensure the welfare of the girls going forward. This includes providing access to quality education, healthcare, and economic empowerment opportunities.
SI Magazine believes that by working together, we can create a brighter future for these young women and, by extension, Nigeria as a whole. We urge all parties involved to put aside their differences and prioritize the girls’ well-being, education, and empowerment. Only then can we build a society that values and respects the dignity of all individuals, regardless of gender, religion, or political affiliation.
