The Executive Director of Endybekx Initiatives for Children and Women Development (EBICWD), Amb Nwachukwu Bekenawei Endurance, has urged parents not to encourage child marriage, but to support girls' education, noting that educating girls contributes to the development of society.

The EBICWD ED made the call at the International Day of the Girl Child which held in the Town Hall of Kokodiagbene Community in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom on Friday, October 23, 2026.

The ceremony, which was in collaboration with Kokodiagbene Community, was attended by the community Chairman Comrade Ark Selegha, who was represented by the General Secretary Sir Gabriel Ukuli, and  the Chairman of Kokodiagbene Education Committee, Hon. Mackson Ukuli.

Others in attendance include the President of the National Union of Izon Ibe Students, FUPRE, Comrade Elliot-Ebutu Azibaodi Peter, Rev. Dr. Oreva Idudhe, Pastor Kings Oloche, Mr. Adedibu Ayomide, Adouyi Firpamo Joseph, and Comrade Isabel Eguare.

Speaking at the programme, Nwachukwu addressed students in attendance to give priority to their education, stressing that "an educated girl who invests in her personal development could become a leader and make a strong contribution to society."

She also thanked the community executive for supporting the initiative from its first phase to the second phase, and called on other stakeholders to follow suit.

The programme featured a rally, cultural dance, a presentation on the girl child, spoken-word performance, a quiz and an essay competition.

Cash prizes were presented by EBICWD to quiz and essay participants as well as outstanding teachers and students while the spoken-word performer received a cash reward from the community executive. 

As part of the programme, Nwachukwu and her team distributed sanitary pads, wipes and perfumes to students and teachers, and donated a copy of the book: "Breaking the Cycle: A Practical Handbook for Gender Based Violence Prevention and Survivor Centered Response" to each school.

The International Day of the Girl Child is a global event that is marked on October 11 every year. The theme for the 2026 edition is “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Right,” a call for urgent legal reforms, educational access, social protection, and leadership opportunities to eliminate child marriage and support girls worldwide.

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