- Otti also highlighted one of her office’s key achievements: breaking the cycle of baby factories
The wife of the Abia State Governor, Priscilla Otti, has condemned the increasing prevalence of prostitution and forced marriage in the state, claiming that some parents are directly or indirectly pushing their children into these situations.
Otti made her remarks during a recent celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with her office in Umuahia on Friday.
“There are cases where parents induce their children to engage in prostitution or forced early marriage,” she stated. “While we have identified some of these cases in Abia State, particularly through my office, we are more determined than ever to restore sanity to society.”
Highlighting the challenges faced by girls, Otti addressed issues such as poverty, limited access to quality education and healthcare, child labour, forced marriages, and family discrimination, all of which she attributed to gender-based biases. She noted that girls often fall victim to exploitation, sexual abuse, and violence.
“If we want to change this situation, leaders must renew their commitment to dismantling age-old customs and traditions that hinder the development of the girl child,” she said.
Otti also highlighted one of her office’s key achievements: breaking the cycle of baby factories, especially in the Isialangwa area. “We have successfully rescued girls from these baby factories and child trafficking syndicates,” she added. “Through our interventions, many young girls have been rescued, rehabilitated, provided with vocational training and education, and reunited with their families.”
Dr Maureen Aghukwa, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, echoed Otti’s sentiments, urging parents to empower the girl child. “When you train the girl child, you empower a nation,” she said, emphasising the importance of the United Nations’ resolution aimed at promoting the advancement and empowerment of girls.
The event featured various activities, including drama, dance performances, a quiz competition, fashion parades, and gift distributions to empower the girls in attendance.
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