Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for urgent and coordinated efforts to end child marriage, describing the practice as a major contributor to obstetric fistula and a serious threat to the health and future of women and girls.
Mrs Tinubu stressed the need to intensify efforts aimed at empowering girls through education and ensuring access to quality healthcare services, insisting that no woman should suffer from a condition that is both preventable and treatable.
The First Lady made the appeal in a message marking the 2026 International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.
According to her, the theme for this year’s commemoration, “Her Health, Her Right: Shaping a Future without Fistula,” highlights the importance of guaranteeing access to quality maternal healthcare as a fundamental right for every woman.
Mrs Tinubu explained that early marriage and teenage pregnancy remain among the leading causes of obstetric fistula, particularly because many young girls are physically unprepared for childbirth.
She further noted that harmful traditional practices and inadequate public awareness continue to worsen the situation by restricting access to skilled healthcare services and vital maternal health information.
The First Lady therefore called on governments, communities and relevant stakeholders to work collectively towards eliminating barriers that prevent women and girls from accessing proper healthcare services.
She reiterated the need for sustained advocacy, education and investment in maternal healthcare to protect the dignity, health and wellbeing of women across the country.
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