As Nigeria observes World Children’s Day, the Federal Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) say the country has made progress in the field of child protection through the enactment and enforcement of the Child Rights Act. CRA).
Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, said the government would prioritize the rights of children across the country by ensuring that children have access to basic amenities, education and are protected from violence and brutality. He said he has continued to do so.
The Minister stated this yesterday during a dialogue session and symposium with children from various schools at the Government Science College, Abuja.
Barrister Kennedy Ohanenye cited the case of an eight-year-old girl in Enugu whose mother and stepfather were sued by the ministry for negligence and sexual corruption, saying that girls in Nigeria cannot be sexually abused in any form. He said that he should not be subject to this.
She said that to ensure that Nigeria continues to protect children, “all stakeholders, especially the government, children and others, must all work together.”
“Children should learn today that this is a new Nigeria with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy of new hope. This means your rights can never be tampered with again. ”
UNICEF Nigeria Program Director Chikodi Onyemerera said children’s rights such as quality health services, education, the right to development, the right to protection, education and protection from psychological abuse should never be included. .
She said: “Children are very important and it is only natural that Nigeria will produce children who will represent the country tomorrow and grow up to be responsible adults.
“Our key message, therefore, to Nigeria is that it is time to recognize the place of children in governance in terms of the resources of this country.”
Andrew Madugu, Director General of Child Affairs, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, encouraged the children to show gratitude and respect to their elders and always focus on their studies.
Mr. Friday Onyekachukwu, one of the students of the Department of Radio, Television and Electrical Engineering, thanked the minister for coming to spend time with them and urged the government to provide the children, especially orphans and basic amenities. He urged continued support for children who do not have access. It also includes access to education.
The highlight of the event was quiz answers and distribution of school bags and educational materials.