First Lady urges end to child marriage

…As campaign intensifies against obstetric fistula

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu yesterday joined the global campaign to eradicate obstetric fistula, stressing that the condition is entirely preventable and treatable and calling for urgent action to protect girls and women.

In a message marking the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, observed on May 23, 2026, the First Lady said this year’s theme — “Her Health, Her Right: Shaping a Future without Fistula” — underscores that “access to quality maternal healthcare is a fundamental right.”

She warned that harmful social practices and gaps in health services continue to put young girls at risk.

“Early marriage and early pregnancy remain major causes of obstetric fistula, as a young girl’s body is often not fully developed for childbirth,” Mrs. Tinubu said. “Harmful traditional practices and lack of awareness further limit access to skilled care and vital health information.”

The First Lady urged coordinated measures to protect girls and improve maternal services, calling first for prevention through education and legal reforms and then for treatment for those affected. “We must act urgently to end child marriage, empower girls through education, and ensure every woman has access to quality healthcare,” she said.

Mrs. Tinubu also framed the fight against fistula as part of a broader effort to make childbirth safer across Nigeria. “Let us work together to build a future where every birth is safe and no woman loses her life in childbirth,” she said, concluding her message with well wishes for the observance: “Happy International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.”