EARLY MARRIAGES AMONG GIRLCHILD: A SURVEY OF OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE

ABSTRACT This study examines the issue of early marriages among girl-child using a survey of Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. The study specifically sought to determine the perceive reason behind early marriage in Oredo Local Government area in Edo State; the implications of getting marriage on the future of a girl child
and suggest possible solutions to the problem. The study employed the survey research design. Population of the study comprised of the total number of people in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, the census figure is 374, 515 (sources: citypopulation.de/). The study comprised of teenage girls. The population of this study are girls between the age of 17 -22. The sample size for the study was 384 and this was selected using simple random sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was employed in eliciting information from respondents. Findings revealed that poverty is a major factor contributing to early marriages in Oredo local government of Edo State. Another finding was that limited economic prospects force families to arrange the marriage of their children at a young age. Lastly, another finding revealed that early marriage hinders a girl's ability to pursue education and career opportunities. Based on the findings, it was recommended that there is need to raise consciousness amongst the people on the implications of marrying early in our society they should be engaged in public campaigns and incentive schemes; to discourage the problems and this Information should be conveyed to parents, community leaders, and policymakers regarding the rights implications of early marriage in young girl.