Ebonyi State: Launches Aggressive Child Marriage Initiatives

• A two-part investigation by PREMIUM TIMES in March exposed widespread child marriage in Ebonyi State.
• The same report also documented a thriving illegal practice known as money marriage in Cross River State.
• Following these revelations, Ebonyi State has begun to implement initiatives to combat child marriage, ordering an "aggressive intensified campaign" against the practice.
• In contrast, Cross River State has remained silent regarding the findings concerning money marriage within its borders, with the practice continuing discreetly.

These nascent Ebonyi State child marriage initiatives represent a direct and significant response to the documented findings, signaling a commitment to confronting a deeply rooted societal challenge.

In March, a comprehensive two-part investigation by PREMIUM TIMES brought to light deeply entrenched and illegal customary practices across two Nigerian states. The journalistic inquiry meticulously documented the widespread and endemic incidence of child marriage within various communities in Ebonyi State, revealing a concerning prevalence of this harmful practice. Simultaneously, the extensive report also exposed the thriving nature of another illegal customary practice, specifically known as money marriage, which was found to be prevalent in Cross River State. This dual exposure underscored significant challenges related to traditional practices and their conflict with established legal frameworks concerning human rights and the protection of minors. The investigation served as a critical public record, detailing the scope and impact of these issues in both regions.

Following the impactful revelations from the PREMIUM TIMES investigation, authorities in Ebonyi State have demonstrated a clear intent to address the pervasive issue of child marriage. The state government has initiated concrete steps and is actively moving to tackle the endemic incidence of this practice within its borders. The Ebonyi State Government has ordered an “aggressive intensified campaign” against child marriage after the PREMIUM TIMES investigation. These nascent Ebonyi State child marriage initiatives represent a direct and significant response to the documented findings, signaling a commitment to confronting a deeply rooted societal challenge. The focus on developing strategies to combat child marriage underscores the state's recognition of the severe implications for the rights, health, and educational opportunities of young girls, aiming to bring an end to practices that violate fundamental human dignities and legal statutes. This proactive engagement sets a precedent for governmental accountability in the face of widespread human rights abuses. Additionally, the Africa Faith & Justice Network (AFJN) Nigeria, with support from its Cross River State Coordinator, held a Community Entry and Stakeholder Engagement Meeting in Ikwo LGA, Ebonyi State, on February 7, 2026, to address early marriage and domestic servitude, which resulted in a signed Memorandum of Understanding.

In stark contrast to the proactive measures being undertaken by Ebonyi State, Cross River State has maintained a notable silence in the aftermath of the PREMIUM TIMES investigation. Despite the report specifically highlighting the flourishing and illegal customary practice of money marriage within its jurisdiction, there has been no public statement or announced plan of action from the Cross River State government. This lack of response leaves the documented issue of money marriage unaddressed by state authorities, indicating a divergent approach compared to its neighboring state. The silence from Cross River raises questions about the state's commitment to eradicating illegal customary practices that exploit individuals, particularly given the detailed nature of the journalistic findings. Money marriage continues to be practiced discreetly in communities like Becheve in Cross River State, despite being outlawed, with activists actively campaigning against it.

The comprehensive investigation published in March served as a crucial catalyst, bringing to the forefront the urgent need for governmental intervention in combating harmful traditional practices across Nigeria. The documented endemic child marriage in Ebonyi State and the thriving illegal money marriage in Cross River State represent significant human rights concerns that demand robust official responses. The subsequent actions, or lack thereof, by state authorities are critical indicators of their commitment to upholding legal frameworks, protecting vulnerable populations, and ensuring justice. While Ebonyi State has begun to formulate its child marriage initiatives, the continued silence from Cross River State highlights a pressing need for all governmental bodies to acknowledge and actively work towards rectifying documented societal ills, ensuring that investigative journalism translates into tangible reforms and improved governance.

Source: Original reporting via PREMIUM TIMES