Constitution Review: CAN Calls For A Ban On Under-18 Marriages In Nigeria.
In its presentation to the country’s ongoing constitution review, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) called for a ban on under-18 marriages.
At a public hearing organized by the House of Representatives Special Committee On The Review Of The Constitution in Akure, Ondo State capital, CAN President Olasupo Ayokunle, who was represented by Ondo State CAN Chairman John Oladapo, advocated that the minimum age for marriage in the country should be 18 years.
The Christian group, which bemoaned the girl child’s exposure to a variety of obscene traditions in various parts of the country, also advocated for girls’ rights to contest or seek positions on an equal footing.
“It should be made a law that anybody below the age of 18years is not matured enough for marriage across the nation. That’s the submission.
“We recommend that the constitution shall bring clarity and emphasis to recognizing and affirming eighteen years as the age of maturity and that for sexual consent.
“Guarantee for the rights of women and girls, females, to contest or seek appointment based on equal opportunities that secure their active participation in politics,” the group said.
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