Bauchi State Governor, Muhammed Abubakar, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to the promotion and protection of the rights of every citizen including children.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Ruqayya Ibrahim, spoke on Sunday in Bauchi during the Children’s Day celebration
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Creating Safe Spaces for Children: Our Collective Responsibility.”
“The state government is so committed in protecting the right of every citizen including children.
“This is because, it is our primary responsibility as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Accordingly, Children’s Day celebration is to remind us of our responsibility as parents toward protection of rights of our children,” he said.
The governor also said that there is no duty that is more important to parents than ensuring children are well catered for, protected and respected, so that they grow in peace.
Abubakar said the celebration was also to remind the children of their duties and responsibilities to their parents and the nation, and advised them to shun drug abuse and criminal activities.
“I therefore, charge the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development to liaise with other agencies and work out appropriate programmes that would help in fighting the scourge of child abuse, child abduction, child labour and drug abuse,” he added.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs who spoke, said the Ministry was collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure quality services are provided to the children, especially the vulnerable ones.
The commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Muktar Wadaji, enumerated the achievements of the Ministry.
She commended the governor for providing an enabling environment to the Ministry to create awareness on the Child’s Right Act among community leaders, religious leaders, parents, teachers among others.
