NOLLYWOOD star Omotola Jalade who was in Bayelsa State last weekend for the 2013 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant, spoke on the Senate bill, endorsing child marriage in Nigeria.
The actress who was among the panel of judges for the beauty competition, was presented with a Silverbird Unique Personality Award.
After receiving the award, Omotola who wore a black-and-white striped maxi dress, delivered an emotional speech on the trending topic of child marriage.
“Let me first and foremost thank the Lord Almighty, my saviour and help for this award. Thanks also to Silverbird Group, organizers of MBGN. Thanks to my wonderful husband, Capt. Matthew Ekeinde, my support and best friend who is also here tonight. I am today one of the most influential people in the world because I wasn’t given off to marriage before the age of 18.
“It scares and totally shocks me that the Senate in Nigeria (the most populous Black Nation in the world and Giant of Africa) would not be passing in a law ensuring that every child should compulsorily be enrolled in school.
“A very alarming number of children today are on the streets hawking or have been abused, raped or are married to men/women who should be protecting them. Who protects the children of Nigeria? Would we wait for another Milala before we act?
“Should we now remove the parental caution on movies that says “Not for persons below 18″.This is a call for justice and equity for children, especially the Nigerian girl child, who has the right to quality education, a childhood and the decision of whom and when to marry.
“My Name is Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and I say No to phedophilia and No to the Senate Bill endorsing child marriage in Nigeria.”