Nollywood actor Emeka Nwagbaocha has sparked a heated conversation about child marriage in Nigeria with his recent statement. The actor emphasized that 19 is still too young for marriage, labeling it as child marriage.
Nwagbaocha’s words echo the sentiments of many who are concerned about the prevalence of child marriage in Nigeria. According to reports, Northern Nigeria has one of the highest rates of child marriage, with some girls being married off as young as 12 years old .
The issue of child marriage has been a long-standing problem in Nigeria, with many attributing it to cultural and religious practices. However, experts argue that child marriage has severe consequences for the girl child, including limiting her education and economic opportunities, and increasing her risk of domestic violence and health complications .
There’s no reason why a 19 year old should be getting married.
That’s a Child bride fgs— Emeka (@Emeneks) January 4, 2025
Nwagbaocha’s statement has been praised by many, including women’s rights activists who have been advocating against child marriage. The Actors Guild of Nigeria has also condemned early marriage and motherhood, emphasizing the importance of investing in the girl child’s education and future.
As the conversation around child marriage continues to gain momentum, Nwagbaocha’s statement serves as a reminder of the need to protect the rights and well-being of young girls in Nigeria.
