The event was initially organized by Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, the speaker of the local assembly in north-west Niger state, with the intention of helping constituents who have lost relatives to attacks on villages by heavily armed gangs. However, Mr. Sarkindaji has since backed down and handed the decision to the families of the girls.
Local clerics have, however, expressed their support for the ceremony, claiming that it should go ahead as planned. The federal women’s affairs minister, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has strongly condemned the event… calling it “unacceptable”. Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye has called for an investigation into the ages of the brides and whether they have given their consent to marriage.
She emphasizes that she is not opposed to marriage for orphans over the age of 18 provided they have given their consent, but highlights that underage marriage is a common problem in rural areas where poverty, “insecurity,” “and limited access to education prevail.” The Telegraph provides valuable information on this ongoing issue… shedding light on the complexities surrounding this mass wedding in Nigeria.
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Minister drops suit on Niger orphan marriage as Emir promises probe
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Wedding suspended as minister, Niger state speaker partner to empower 100 girls | TheCable
UjuKennedy-Ohanenye, minister of women affairs, says the planned marriage of 100 girls in Niger state has been suspended.
Kennedy-Ohanenye spoke in Abuja on Friday after meeting with Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, speaker of the Niger state house of assembly.
Sarkindaji had last week said he would sponsor the wedding ceremony of the girls on May 24 as part of his constituency obligations.
The development sparked controversy on social media, with many saying the speaker should have channelled the money into giving the girls an education or skills.
On Monday, Kennedy-Ohanenye stepped into the matter and asked the speaker to halt his plans or face legal action.
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