From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Speaker, Kogi State Children’s Parliament, Rt Hon Wisdom Amobeda administering the oath of allegiance on members
The Kogi state government has restated its resolve to continue to protect the rights of children in the state.
Governor Yahaya Bell gave the assurance during the 5th Kogi State Children’s Parliament held at the Lugard House, Lokoja on Thursday.
The governor who was represented by by his deputy, Edward Onoja said that the state government has justified its commitment in this regard by ratifying, domesticating and implementing the Child Rights law in the state.
The governor noted that with this development, the rate of abuse being faced by children on daily basis will be greatly reduced to its minimal level, vowing that justice would be served on offenders of the law.
Today’s epochal making event is another step taken by my administration towards giving golden voice to the voiceless children of Kogi State. As we all know, the Children’s Parliament was a creation of the Federal Government of Nigeria aimed at enhancing children’s participation in governance.
“Since assumption of office, our administration has intensified efforts aimed at reviving all programmes, particularly the one that guarantee the safety of lives and property in Kogi State. A lot of resources , both human and material has been committed to making Kogi state safer and better for our children to live a promising and productive life.”.
In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Fatima Buba, said that as the custodian ministry, ” we have a duty to help secure the future of our children. We own them fidelity. We would not relent on our oars unless and until we have secured an enabling environment for their growth, survival, protection, participation and development. We shall work tirelessly with credible NGOs to make Kogi uncomfortable for those involved in the business of kidnapping, sale, abuse and molestation of children.”
Speaker of the Children’s Parliament, Right Hon Wisdom Amobeda in his inaugural address promised to work with stakeholders like the Police, Army, Correctional Centres, Immigration, Customs, National Orientation Agency, NSCDC, related Ministries to ensure the popularization of the Child Rights Law in Kogi.
While commending the governor for his commitment to the well-being of Kogi women, youths and children , he appealed to the government to assist the Parliament with mini bus and monthly or quarterly subvention to enable it function effectively.
