Olympian Opara Leads Sports-Driven Campaign Against Child Marriage

Nigerian Olympic medallist and performance coach, Amb. Christy Opara, has used her experience in sport to call for an end to child marriage and urge young girls to stay in school, develop their skills and pursue their dreams.

Opara, who is the Founder of SOHO24 Foundation, made the call on Thursday at an empowerment programme for schoolgirls in Abuja, where she used lessons from athletics to encourage girls to build strong foundations for their future.

Speaking to the students, Opara drew parallels between an athlete’s journey and the challenges girls face in life, stressing that success requires a strong foundation, determination and the confidence to remain focused on a goal.

“Every champion’s journey begins on the ground. It starts with your foundation. When a great runner steps onto the track, before they move an inch, they plant their feet firmly on the ground. Head held high. Eyes fixed on the finish line. When your footing is strong, a sudden push cannot knock you down,” she said.

Opara said the foundation organised the programme to promote the rights of girls to education and help tackle child marriage, which she said could deprive girls of opportunities to learn, develop and fulfil their potential.

“We are here for one critical reason: to end child marriage and protect every girl’s right to learn, grow, and thrive,” she said.

The former Olympian urged parents, teachers and community leaders to protect girls from pressures that could force them into early marriage and adult responsibilities.

“To our parents, teachers, and leaders: protecting our girls means giving them time, safety, and school fees, not wedding dates. When you keep a girl in school, you strengthen the entire community,” Opara said.

She challenged the girls to know their worth, acquire skills through education and avoid allowing anyone to force them into adulthood before their time.

Also speaking, the National President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Edna Azura, described the initiative as timely, stressing the need to equip girls with education, protection, awareness and skills.

Azura said such knowledge could help girls recognise abuse and exploitation, understand their rights and know where to seek help.

She commended the SOHO24 Foundation for using the programme to empower schoolgirls and promote awareness of issues affecting their development.