The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, who had initially opposed the mass wedding of 100 female orphans in Niger State, has now endorsed the event, showering gifts on the girls and clarifying her previous stance. She admitted her initial opposition was based on misconstrued information.
Clarification of Dispute
The minister had opposed the decision by Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, the Speaker of the Niger House of Assembly, to sponsor the wedding, citing potential violations of the Child Rights Act. She explained that her intention was not to stop the marriage but to ensure the girls were of marriageable age and not being coerced. Kennedy-Ohanenye blamed the media for escalating the controversy, stating, “The initial opposition to the planned marriage was misunderstood.”
She commended Sarkindaji’s initiative and assured that the girls would be closely monitored in their marriages to ensure the empowerment scheme’s objectives are achieved. Sarkindaji defended his actions, saying he supported the marriage out of genuine concern for the orphans, most of whom lost their parents due to insecurity in the region.
Minister of Women Affairs Expresses Her Support
Kennedy-Ohanenye’s donations included scholarships, wrappers, and foodstuffs, to be distributed to the 100 brides at the palace of the Emir of Kontagora, Mohammed Muazu. She also ordered the opening of bank accounts for each bride, providing a stipend for the first six months of their marriages.
The Daunting Question
Despite the resolution between the Minister of Women Affairs and the Niger Speaker, a critical question remains: Is marriage an appropriate way to empower female orphans? Are these girls given a choice in their marriages, or are they being married off to anyone interested? While marriage can be a positive institution, the logic behind using it as a solution for orphaned girls, especially from a government initiative, seems flawed and raises concerns about their autonomy and future welfare.
Bottom Line
The support for the mass wedding of orphan girls in Niger State highlights significant issues regarding the empowerment of young women and the role of marriage in their futures. While well-intentioned, this initiative raises important questions about consent, age appropriateness, and the true nature of empowerment for vulnerable populations.
