Sequel to the African Child Rights day marked last week, experts opined that amidst other alarming issues surrounding child right, child marriage is a preventable tragedy.

Experts say child marriage has a lot of diverse consequences for individuals involved, their families, communities and the nation as a whole. Thus, the recent passing of resolution on child marriage by the lawmakers was considered barbaric and conservative.

A lecturer in the Department of Guidance and Counselling at the University of Ibadan, Dr Olanike Busari, while reacting to issues surrounding early marriage among children, said, “When a woman is too young, pregnancy can be dangerous for both the mother and infant. Also, complication of childbirth and unsafe abortion are among the main causes of death for women under age 20.”

While responding to the life-threatening complications of pregnancy that girls under 20 years face, she mentioned cervical cancer, sepsis, haemorrhage, pregnancy-induce hypertension, among others.

According to her, premature marriage for adolescents, which is being proposed in Nigeria, brings about early childbirth, which in turn restricts educational and career options, thereby contributing to the maintenance of low socio-economic status for young women just beginning their adult life.

However, she disclosed that among other numerous and fundamental issues that should be extensively deliberated upon by the honourable lawmakers is the postponement of marriage and first-births until age 25 and above for individuals.

“This would significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, slow population growth and contribute to improvements in the quality of life for people everywhere.

“Our lawmakers should shun debating and enacting laws that are ridiculous and retrogressive, so as to move our dear nation forward,” Dr Olanike said.

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