The Inspector-General of Police (I-G) Tunji Disu, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to ending child marriage and protecting the rights of the girl child.

Disu, represented by DIG Kene Onwumere, Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Logistics, gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja at the commemoration of the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.

The event was organised by the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) and Police Officers Wives Association (POWA).

The IG said that NPF recognised that protecting the girl child was not merely a legal obligation, but also a moral and societal responsibility.

He therefore called on parents, religious leaders, educators and other stakeholders to work together to end child marriage and ensure that the girl-child was given the opportunity to pursue her dreams.

Speaking at the event, Sarah Ehindero, the keynote speaker, said every person below 18 years was still a child and deserved protection under the law.

Ehindero also said that the police had a responsibility to protect children and ensure that cases of abuse were properly handled.

”Protecting the girl-child is not an act of favour. The police are not doing you a favour by protecting your rights; we are performing our statutory duties,” she said.

She identified poverty, insecurity, gender inequality, harmful cultural practices and lack of access to education as some of the factors responsible for child marriage.

She said child marriage interrupted girls’ education, exposed them to early pregnancy and health risks, as well as limited their personal and economic development.

Also speaking, Mutiat Disu, National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), said child marriage deprived girls of education and exposed them to health risks and abuse.

Disu, represented by Zainab Mohammed, said poverty, social pressure and tradition should not be used as reasons to deny girls their rights, adding that children should be allowed to grow and discover their potential before taking on adult responsibilities.

”Marriage is for adults, not children. Let children remain children. Let girls learn, dream, grow and discover their potential,” she said.

She emphasised that educating girls would help them make informed decisions, raise healthier families, lead institutions and contribute to the development of society.

Superintendent of Police Orvenonne Ikwen, National Coordinator of POCACOV, said the programme was organised to remind stakeholders of the need to protect girls and support them to achieve their potential.

”If we educate a girl, we empower a family. If we protect a girl, we strengthen a community,” Ikwen said, urging girls to speak out whenever they faced danger or felt unsafe.

Similarly, Rasheedat Ajibade, Captain of the Super Falcons and special guest of honour, urged girls to take their education seriously, protect their dignity and avoid pressures that could affect their future.

”You deserve to be schooled, you deserve to be safe, you deserve to be heard, and you deserve the opportunity and time to become the woman you dream of becoming,” Ajibade said.

She said the Rashida Elizabeth Foundation, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force through POCACOV, was working towards creating a safer environment where girls could receive support and protection.(NAN)

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Bauchi State has recorded 70 cases and secured three convictions from January to October, 2026.

Alhaji Atiku Kalli, State Coordinator of the agency disclosed this in an interview in Bauchi on Monday.

Kalli said other cases were ongoing in various courts, adding that the agency would not relent its efforts to bring perpetrators to book.

“From January to date, the agency was able to record 70 cases of trafficking including 25 victims that were rescued from trafficking situations involving foreign countries  in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

“The agency in collaboration with relevant stakeholders is working to receive, profile and reintegrate returned migrants into their communities,” he said.

Kalli said that NAPTIP had intensified sensitisation campaigns reaching more than 50 communities in Bauchi within the year through physical engagements.

He said the campaigns involved visits to schools, motor parks and local communities, as well as engagements with relevant stakeholders.

“The agency is into raising awareness through radio and Television programmes to reach out to millions of listeners and viewers.

“We also engaged with women groups to promote activities around trafficking and Gender based Violence.

He identified prevention, protection, prosecution, partnership and policy as the agency’s five strategic approaches to combating human trafficking.

Kalli also disclosed that the agency has commenced investigation on complaints involving agents allegedly recruiting girls from rural communities to cities.

He said that NAPTIP was collaborating with relevant stakeholders working to protect women, children and other vulnerable persons from trafficking and exploitation.(NAN)

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has promised to key into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms to boost industrialization and socioeconomic development of the state.

The Governor gave the assurance while commissioning the Confluence Lube world-class lubricant blending and packaging factory located along Ganaja-Ajaokuta road in Lokoja over the weekend.

Ododo lauded President Bola Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for industrialization and private-sector investment since assumption of office.

He described the investment by Godec Power Nigeria Limited as a significant contribution to the state’s industrialization drive, job creation and economic prosperity.

He said that the establishment of the facility would go a long way in boosting the state’s economy.

The governor commended Chief Okechukwu Obika, Managing Director and Chairman of Godec Power Nigeria Limited, for investing in a facility that would impact on the lives of the people.

“This great investment would no doubt provide employment opportunities for hundreds of Kogites as well as adding value to the local economy

“My administration will continue to welcome investors who were willing to process resources locally rather than take raw materials out of the state without creating corresponding economic benefits for its people” Ododo said

He reaffirmed his commitment to building a private sector capable of employing far more people than the public sector.

He announced a three-year waiver on selected state annual levies to encourage business growth. The waiver covers Land Use Charge, Environmental Levy, Business Premises Annual Renewal, Fire Service Levy and Economic Development Levy.

He assured investors of his administration’s continued support, adding that Kogi possessed the strategic location, resources and human capacity to emerge as a major industrial hub in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, Chief Okechukwu Obika, Managing Director and Chairman of Godec Power Nigeria Limited, said that the company which was established in 2001 as an electricity trading business, had diversified into cargo tricycle assembly and distribution, lubricant production, plastic recycling, plastic container manufacturing, industrial tools and agricultural processing equipment.

He explained that the Confluence Lube facility produces engine oils for petrol and diesel engines, transmission oils and plastic containers, while plans are underway to introduce hydraulic oil, brake fluid, transformer oil and grease. Obika disclosed that the company had already created 100 direct jobs and more than 200 indirect jobs, adding that expansion to full operational capacity could increase employment to over 300 direct jobs and more than 1,000 indirect jobs.