As Nigeria marks International Women’s Day alongside the global community, a community-based child protection center in Sokoto State has achieved notable success, rescuing over 20 girls from early marriage within a span of less than three months.

The rescued girls, aged 12 to 15, are currently undergoing counseling at a Child-Friendly Space in the Dange Shuni Local Government Area.

This success story emerged during a two-day media dialogue and field trip focused on addressing the plight of Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls in Nigeria.

The initiative, supported by UNICEF and Eleva Foundation, aims to provide education to vulnerable children and combat child marriage in the region.

During an interaction with journalists at the center, Counselor Nenman Calvin revealed that the facility handles a substantial number of child marriage cases, averaging between five and ten cases monthly.

She said: “Since January 2025 till date, this center has pulled out 20 girls from early marriage.

“In a month, we treat between five and ten cases. We normally counsel them, meet the parents, convince them, and they withdraw the children from early marriage. Some leave us with the children, saying that since we want them to go to school, they have handed the children to us so that we will take responsibility.”

Selected education reporters from Abuja and Sokoto visited three of the centers at locations in Dange-Shuni, Kware, and Wamakko Council Areas of Sokoto State, gaining firsthand insight into the initiatives.

Pius Uwamanua, UNICEF’s child protection specialist in the state, noted that the project has had a profoundly positive impact, serving as a catalyst for the holistic development and growth of the children.

He said the centers were established to provide a conducive environment where vulnerable children can acquire skills and knowledge to enhance their livelihoods.

According to him, the girls receive a comprehensive support system, including a monthly mentorship program, a daily skills acquisition initiative, and civic education aimed at empowering them with essential life skills and knowledge.

Uwamanua revealed that the project has garnered the backing of key stakeholders, including the State Arabic Board and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, thereby ensuring the initiative’s long-term viability and sustainability.

A 2017 World Bank/International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) study estimated that ending child marriage could generate an additional $7.6 billion in earnings and productivity for Nigeria.

According to the report, child marriage will cost developing countries trillions of dollars by 2030. It noted that ending child marriage would also reduce rates of under-five mortality and delayed physical development due to a lack of appropriate nutrition (stunting).

Additionally, data sourced from the Girls Not Brides database revealed that Nigeria’s child marriage statistics are alarming, with 30.3 percent of girls marrying before the age of 18, 12.3 percent marrying before 15, and a staggering 73.8 percent of women aged 20-24 having been married before reaching 18 years old.