Gov. Udom Emmanuel has re-iterated the determination of his administration to uphold the rights of children and punish anyone caught abusing or discriminating against any child in Akwa Ibom State.
He disclosed this while addressing the children at this year’s Children’s day celebration held at the Uyo Township stadium.
The Governor reiterated that in line with the Free and Compulsory Development Policy of his administration, every child in Akwa Ibom has a right to free education from primary to secondary schools level.
Mr. Emmanuel was optimistic that the money spent in the education of the children by his administration would yield result, thus should never be seen as an expense but rather an investment.
In his words, “Let me reassure our children once more that whatsoever we do in their education is an investment and never an expense.
Let me also reassure our children that every child in Akwa Ibom is entitled to free, compulsory and universal primary, junior secondary and senior secondary education.
He highlighted other rights of the children in the state to include, right to survival and development, right to name, family and nationality, freedom of social and physical assembly, as well as rights to freedom of movement and freedom against discrimination.
Mr Emmanuel assured that these rights are fully upheld by his administration assuring that he will stop at nothing in protecting children and ensuring they have the best future.
He advised parents to report all forms of abuse, especially sexual abuse or intimidation on any child, as the laws are fully activated to deal decisively with the offenders.
“We are out to protect the rights of this children so that they can in ramifications achieve their highest potentials which is one of the cardinal objectives of our Dakkada philosophy,” he added.
The Governor also read the speech of the Acting President, Yemi Osibanjo which reiterated the determination of the federal government to provide “quality education to children, with ease as a fundamental foundation of economic and social development.”
The theme of this year’s celebration was “Child protection and sustainable development goals (SDGs): issues and opportunities.”
This year’s event witnessed huge turnout of Nursery, Primary and Secondary children who took part in a match past and cultural dance competition.
In a welcome address the Commissioner for Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Glory Emmanuel Edet, asserted that “the National Children’s Day is celebrated yearly to continually sensitize the Nigerian public on the need for collaborative efforts to build on the Nation’s future through total and optimal care as well as protection of our children.”
She advised children to reciprocate government’s gesture by being law abiding, shunning cultism, examination malpractice and other vices.
Mrs Edet while thanking the Governor’s wife for her social services to children and the vulnerable, revealed that the children have unequivocally drummed support for the governor as the best governor the want till 2023.
In her vote of thanks, the children’s parliament speaker Hon Setoyoabasi Diamond Umana thanked Governor Emmanuel for his children – friendly policy and promised on behalf of children in the state to be of good behavior.
No comments: