From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has reiterated its resolve to continue to protect the rights of children in the state.
Governor Yahaya Bello gave the assurance during the inauguration of the 5th Kogi State Children’s Parliament held at the Lugard House, Lokoja on Thursday.
The Governor who was represented 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 innocent children on daily basis will be greatly reduced to its minimal level and vowed that justice would be served on the offenders of the law.
“Today’s Epoch 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 in Nigeria aimed at enhancing Child’s participation in governance.
“Since assumption of office, our administration has intensified efforts aimed at reviving all programmes particularly the one to guarantee the safety of lives and property of families living in Kogi State. Lot of resources both human and materials have been committed to making Kogi State safer and better for our children to live a promising and productive life” the Governor explained.
He stressed that any government that knows its onions should see children as leaders of both today and tomorrow and strive to ensure their empowerment by giving them sound training from the onset when they were born until they grow into leaders.
In her welcome address, the Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Fatima Buba said”As a custodian Ministry, we have a duty to help secure the future of our children. We owe 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 individuals, major stakeholders and credible NGOs to make Kogi uncomfortable for those involved in the business of kidnapping, sale, abuse and molestation of children” the ommissioner vowed.
She urged the parliamentarians not to disappoint the confidence reposed in them.
The Speaker of the Children’s Parliament, Right Hon. Wisdom Amobeda in his inaugural speech, promised to synergy with the appropriate stakeholders like the Police, Army, NSCDC, Correctional Centres, Immigration, Custom, Office of the Governor, National Orientation Agency, relevant Ministries and host of others to ensure the popularization of the child rights law in Kogi.
He commended the state governor, Yahaya Bello for his Commitment to the well-being of Kogi women, youths and children.
He appealed to the state government to as a matter of importance to assist the parliament with mini bus and monthly or quarterly subvention to enable it function effectively.