By Chioma Vivian James
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on societies across the world to take urgent and decisive action to end child marriage and invest more resources in empowering girls through education.
The First Lady made the call in her message commemorating the 2026 International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, as she joined the global community in reaffirming that no woman or girl should suffer from a condition that is entirely preventable and treatable.
Describing this year’s theme, “Her Health, Her Right: Shaping a Future without Fistula,” as a powerful reminder that access to quality maternal healthcare is a fundamental human right, Senator Oluremi Tinubu identified early marriage and early pregnancy as major causes of obstetric fistula.
She stressed the need for collective action to tackle harmful traditional practices, social inequalities, and the
lack of awareness that continue to limit access to skilled healthcare services and vital reproductive health information for women and girls.
The First Lady noted that ending obstetric fistula requires sustained investment in maternal healthcare, girl-child education, community enlightenment, and the protection of the rights and dignity of women and girls.
She urged governments, stakeholders, traditional institutions, healthcare providers, and development partners to strengthen efforts aimed at preventing obstetric fistula, supporting survivors, and ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and healthy environment.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the health and wellbeing of women and children in Nigeria, while advocating policies and programmes that promote dignity, equality, and access to quality healthcare for all.
