By Ishaq Dan-Imam, Lokoja
Children of different ages and Child Rights Campaigners in Kogi State on Thursday, held a road walk with processional music amid songs and dances, to raise awareness on the pending implementation of the child rights law.
The excited children and rights campaigners, walked the streets of Lokoja, from the state Specialist hospital gate to the premises of the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, where the children, in an emotional tone, pleaded with the authorities in the state to implement the state child rights law to the fullest.
The State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Fatima Buba, along with the management team of the ministry, received the children with open arms and a re-assurance to pursue implementation of the child rights law (CRL) to the logical conclusion given its importance to Child development and social justice in the state.
“I am pleased that what you are advocating for today is in line with the Ministry’s mandate. We are aware of the fact that children have rights to life, health, and to express themselves. We are ready to work with you to review these demands and put in place the Juvenile Home, a state-owned safe space for children in need of protection.
Mrs Buba said the ministry would ensure that the requirements for all Nigerian children to enjoy basic rights, would be provided by the state government within the limit of available resources.
“The implementation of the Child Rights Law is being incorporated into the Violence Against Person’s Prohibition (VAPP) law, passed by the state house of assembly and assented to by the Governor of Kogi State.
“Discussion is ongoing with the Ministry of Justice and the Office of Public Defenders and Citizens’ Rights Commission to ensure CRL implementation is domiciled in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development To this end, a meeting with the organizations to discuss further the policy demands of the act and do the best to address the impediments to the desired implementation of the all-important child rights law in our state,” Mrs. Buba, re-assured the group.
The women’s affairs commissioner said issues of children’s rights protection and women’s development would always be given maximum attention as no stone will be left unturned in addressing such issues of concern to the administration, and societal development.
“We are ready to work with you to review these demands and put in place the Juvenile home, a state-owned safe space for children in need of protection,” Mrs. Buba, added.
The USAID, through the Palladium in Nigeria, supports the initiative to domesticate Nigeria’s child rights law (CRL) in all 36 States, including the federal capital territory with Ongoing efforts to implement the law fully in five States in north-central Nigeria.
A civil society organization in Kogi state, Teens Educational, Information and Development Initiative (TEDiN), is leading the stakeholder’s efforts to implement the legal instrument in the State.
