Skip to main content

EVERY GIRL DESERVES PROTECTION, EDUCATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO FULFIL HER POTENTIAL: NBA ABUJA BRANCH JOINS THE WORLD IN CELEBRATING THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD


Standing Together Against Abuse, Early Marriage and Exploitation to Safeguard Her Rights and Empower Her Future

By Yakubu Philemon, SAN
Chairman, NBA Abuja Branch

The NBA Abuja Branch joins the global community in celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child. This occasion reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect the rights, dignity and future of every girl and to create a society where she can grow, learn and fulfil her potential.

It also calls us to reflect on the gap between the protections promised by law and the realities many girls experience. Child abuse, early marriage, exploitation, forced labour and barriers to education continue to deny girls opportunities to thrive. These injustices demand our attention and action.

Every girl deserves a childhood free from violence and fear. She deserves access to education, equal opportunities and the ability to make informed choices about her future. Her voice must be heard, her talents nurtured and her ambitions encouraged.

Protecting the girl child is a matter of rights, justice and the rule of law. Legal protections must reach the children they are intended to safeguard. We must strengthen implementation, support accessible reporting mechanisms and ensure that access to justice does not depend on a family’s ability to pay.

As legal practitioners, we have a responsibility to promote awareness of children’s rights, support access to legal assistance and work with relevant institutions to address abuse and exploitation. The NBA Abuja Branch reaffirms its commitment to advocating for the protection, dignity and empowerment of every girl child.

This responsibility extends beyond the legal profession. Government must strengthen child-protection institutions. Parents and guardians must provide safe and supportive homes. Schools must offer learning environments free from discrimination and harassment. Communities must reject harmful practices, regardless of how deeply entrenched they may be.

We must all be prepared to speak up, report abuse and refuse to look away. No girl should be forced into marriage, deprived of education, subjected to forced labour or made to believe that her aspirations are beyond her reach because of her gender.
Education remains central to empowerment. When girls have the opportunity to learn and develop their abilities, they are better equipped to make informed decisions, pursue meaningful careers and contribute to their communities. Investing in their development strengthens our nation.
                 Yakubu philemon SAN.
             Chairman NBA Abuja Branch 

As we celebrate the girl child, let us renew our commitment to turning promises into protection and concern into action. Protecting her is a responsibility we owe to her and to the future of our society.

Every girl deserves the right to grow, to choose and to shape her future. Protect her rights. Empower her future.

Yakubu Philemon, SAN
Chairman
NBA Abuja Branch


Comments

Post a Comment

Drop your comment here.

Popular posts from this blog

STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN, NBA ABUJA BRANCH (UNITY BAR)

NBA ABUJA BRANCH CONDEMNS THE ARREST, HARASSMENT AND DETENTION OF LAWYERS IN THE COURSE OF PROFESSIONAL DUTIES The Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), strongly condemns the arrest, handcuffing, harassment and detention of *Mr. Simon Eromosele, Esq.*, a member of the NBA Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), on the 14th of August, 2026, while carrying out his legitimate professional duties as Counsel. From the account presented to the Branch, Mr. Eromosele was at the OPay office in Jabi, Abuja, to follow up on a formal request made on behalf of his client concerning debit restrictions placed on the client’s OPay account, and to seek disclosure of the legal basis for the restriction, including the production of any court order purportedly authorising it. Rather than being permitted to complete that professional engagement, Mr. Eromosele was reportedly arrested, handcuffed and taken first to the Utako Police Station and subsequently to the IG Monitoring Unit at Force Headq...
Post a Comment
Find more important articles here

NBA Anaocha Branch Honours Okey Wali, SAN with Hall Naming Recognition.

NBA Anaocha Branch Names Hall After Okey Wali, SAN The (NBA), Anaocha Branch (Family Bar), has resolved to name its main meeting hall after the 26th President of the Association, . This decision was reached during the Branch’s monthly general meeting, where members unanimously approved the naming of the hall as “Hon. Okey Wali, SAN Hall of Honour.” The honour is in recognition of Okey Wali, SAN’s outstanding contributions to the legal profession, as well as his enduring support and commitment to the growth and unity of the Nigerian Bar, particularly the Anaocha Branch. According to the Branch, the resolution reflects deep appreciation for his legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to the advancement of justice and the rule of law. The formal naming and commissioning of the hall will take place during the Branch’s 2026 Law Week , scheduled to commence on May 8, 2026 . The event is expected to attract members of the Bar, senior advocates, and key stakeholders wi...
Post a Comment
Find more important articles here

NBA Abuja Branch Vice Chairman Secures Release of Two Inmates After Three Years in Custody

In a significant human rights intervention, the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), and Chairman of the Branch Human Rights Committee, Ikemefuna Onyeka, Esq., has facilitated the release of two Inmates, Bali Joshua and Paul Sunday, who had been in custody since 2023 in connection with an alleged homicide. Upon assuming office on 31st July 2026, Ikemefuna Onyeka, Esq. was briefed on the prolonged detention of the two individuals, whose matter had remained unresolved for more than three years. Although the Human Rights Committee of the Branch had not yet been formally inaugurated, the Vice Chairman immediately took steps to address the matter, demonstrating an early commitment to the protection of fundamental human rights and access to justice. Following his intervention, Dr. Amin Abdulhaleem, Esq. and Joseph Okolo, Esq. were engaged to commence appropriate legal proceedings for the enforcement of the inmates’ fundamental rights. The...
Post a Comment
Find more important articles here