By Julian Osamoto
The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has selected the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, FCT Council, Grace Ike, as one of the judges for an inter-school debate on ending child marriage in Abuja.
The debate, scheduled for September 28, is being organised by NILDS in collaboration with the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
A statement by the Director-General NILDS, Prof Abubakar Sulaiman, says the debate tagged “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.” will bring together students from 12 secondary schools across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory.
He explained that the competition would provide students with an opportunity to examine issues affecting girls rights and gender equality while developing their civic awareness, critical thinking, communication and leadership skills.
“The first stage will take place at the NILDS campus in Abuja, with the 12 schools competing in six debate sessions”.
NILDS disclosed that the sessions would be broadcast live on radio, with six schools advancing to the second stage on October 5. “The six schools will then compete in three sessions, producing three finalists for the grand finale on October 12”.
He noted that the finalists will debate before a live audience to determine the overall winner,
Prof Sulaiman however, invited Grace Ike to join the judging panel, saying the judges would draw on their experience in democratic governance and social inclusion to assess the participating schools.
Grace Ike, Chairman of the NUJ, FCT Council, has distinguished herself as a strong advocate for education, gender equality and the empowerment of the girl child.
As the first woman to lead the NUJ FCT Council in its 41-year history, Ike has used her position and voice to draw attention to the importance of keeping girls in school and creating opportunities for their development
The competition will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the NILDS Campus on Abubakar O. Sulaiman Avenue, off Piwoyi District, Airport Road, Abuja.
