Canada has offered N1.8 billion ($6.5 million) for United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Save the Children to improve enrolment and retention of Nigerian girls in school. Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Perry John Calderwood, made this known yesterday in Abuja at a joint press briefing on African Child Campaign.
Calderwood said the gesture became necessary as quality education for girls remains the best way to end child-marriage, which he added, was prevalent in Africa.

The envoy, who condemned the practice as a violation of girls’ rights, said it undermines the development of their families, communities and countries.
He said Canada has committed $40 million to UNICEF and UNFPA to galvanise greater political support and resources to reduce child, early and forced marriage.
While congratulating Nigeria on reaching a major milestone in 2015 of one year without a single case of poliovirus, he said his country provided $38 million in support to polio and routine immunisation of children to ensure Nigeria and indeed Africa can be declared polio-free in 2017.