The Emir of Shonga in Kwara State, Haliru Ndanusa, has raised concerns over the damaging effects of early girl-child marriage, proposing education as a more effective alternative to curb the practice.
Ndanusa made the remarks on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, describing early marriage as a sensitive and troubling issue that requires deliberate intervention.
According to the traditional ruler, prioritising education can naturally delay marriage and protect young girls from its harmful consequences.
“When you force them to school, you do many things. So, we can use that instrumentality to get them to fall into marrying late because it’s very devastating when they marry early.”
He compared the situation of girls marrying and becoming pregnant at ages twelve or thirteen to a “baby carrying a baby,” stressing the long-term physical and emotional damage involved.
“Sometimes they fall together and stand up again, but importantly, she gets damaged,” he explained.
Recounting a personal experience, the Emir narrated a disturbing encounter from his early professional years.
“I remember my first practice, the first time when I was in an ONG posting.
“A thirteen-year-old came in bleeding, and a tall gentleman who said he was my friend said, ‘That’s my wife.’ I didn’t understand. I said ‘Your daughter?’ He said, ‘My wife’.”
Ndanusa emphasised that awareness and enlightenment are key to addressing the problem, urging community leaders to take responsibility for educating their people.
“When you get information that you think you can now use, break it down for them to see. This girl is leaking urine, too young,” he said.
He also called for practical steps at the community level, including visual education and locally enforced regulations.
“Mention all those ills, and sometimes have pictures [sent to those involved] and tell them, ‘We are advising you. This is not right, push them to school.’
“We can create smart bylaws ourselves, which they listen to once the council decides. If they start doing this, they know they are running foul on the system itself,” the Emir added.