Saraki, Kalu, Dickson, Tinubu celebrate with children

Saraki, Kalu, Dickson, Tinubu celebrate with children

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and a group of Civil Society Organisations  (CSOs), have advocated the complete domestication and strict implementation of the Child Rights Act (CRA) across the country.

This consensus, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Sanni Onogu, was reached at a roundtable on, “Advancing the Rights of the Nigerian Child” organised by the Office of the Senate President in commemoration of the 2017 Children’s Day celebration in Abuja.

Personalities and CSOs that participated in the roundtable discussion included the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Kauwa Damina, representatives of the European Union (EU), The Malala Foundation,  United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Youths of Africa, National Democratic Institute (NDI), Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), and a cross section of teachers, students and pupils from primary and secondary schools in Abuja.

While wishing Nigerian children a happy celebration, Saraki noted that the event was meant to celebrate the resilience and perseverance of Nigerian children in overcoming the many obstacles of childhood.

In the same vein, former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has called on government at all levels to scale up the level of advocacy on family planning, adding that unwanted pregnancies and other social vices are capable of setting the society backward.

According to Kalu, children are vulnerable and as such deserve counselling and guidance from their parents so as not to derail in their pursuits in life.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, the former governor advised parents to instill good moral values in their children, pointing out that the family is the most critical component of the society.

He said, “as we mark the 2017 Children’s Day, it is important to focus on child- friendly policies aimed at preparing the younger generation for future challenges.

“It is devastating seeing children on the streets hawking or begging for food and cash gifts during school hours.

“The time is now for Nigerians to complement government’s efforts aimed at eradicating child abuse, child trafficking and other vices.

“The future of the country is dependent on the younger generation and they must be well catered for”.

Also, the Bayelsa State government has called on parents to imbibe the habit of inculcating the right virtues into their children and ward(s) if they want to see a better future and also a better society.

In the same direction, Senator Oluremi Tinubu representing Lagos Central Senatorial District has said the recent rescue of 82 of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls is a proof of the commitment of the Federal Government to the wellbeing of the Nigerian child.

On the occasion of this year’s Children’s Day, she said her prayers were with the remainder of the over 200 girls abducted from their dormitory in Chibok in 2014, who are still in captivity.

Senator Tinubu expressed the hope that the remaining girls would be rescued soon and reunited with their families.