By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
Two minors in Karu, Abuja have been saved from forced marriage by the Association of Wives of Traditional Rulers in FCT in collaboration with the Helpline Foundation for the Needy.
Niami Dauda , a 14 year old who is in primary two was about to be given out in marriage by her father Dauda Adama said that poverty was the reason for forcing Naima to marry a 45-year old scavenger (bola) and a husband of two wives.
Coordinator, Association of Wives of Traditional Rulers in FCT, Amb. Gimbiya Hannatu Usman Nda Kupi’ who led some journalists to the shanty- turned house of Dauda, the minors’ house in Karu, stated that her organization was passionate about education of the girl-child in FCT and would do anything legally possible to rescue and educate them to whatever levels.
Amb. Nda Kupi’, wife of the Chief of Garki, Dr. Usman Nda Kupi’ disclosed that her organization got to know about the planned early marriage following a tip off from a teacher within the community who contacted President of the Helpline Foundation, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu.
She stated that her association, in conjunction with Helpline Foundation for the Needy Abuja, has being involved in the rescue of many girls involved in similar practices.
Adama, an indigene of Sokoto State who moved to Abuja barely a decade ago revealed that he has two wives and six children and Naima’s mother was no more with him.
According to him, poverty was the major reason that left his family with no alternative but to arrange early marriage of his daughter Naima to scavenger who has already paid no less than N300, 000 -150,000 each for dowry and settlement of relatives.
While speaking to newsmen, Naima expressed gratitude to the two Abuja-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for coming to her rescue, decrying that the marriage was against her wish, even as she stated her preference to complete her primary education and proceed to higher levels.
Similarly, the two NGOs also intervened in another case of a early marriage of Naima’s niece, Sadika who was been lined up for marriage just after Naima.
Sadika Danjuma, 15 who is in primary three, same school with Naima, also spoke against her early marriage.
Sadika, unlike Naima, who managed to speak English language, noted that education was important, adding that her wish was to get food and higher education to enable her take care of her young ones.
