Anambra Children’s Parliament calls for campaign against Child Abuse, Marriage
By Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka
Anambra State Children’s Parliament has passed a resolution calling on Governor of the state, Chukwuma Soludo, to launch a strong media campaign against child abuse, child marriage and also find a lasting solution to the other social vices prevalent amongst children in the society.
The parliament passed the resolution in Awka, the state capital, following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored to that effect by the House Leader, Honourable Ikechukwu Michael Onyedika, during their annual sitting to usher in Children’s Day celebration.
Honorable Ikechukwu explained that due to some of the vices experienced in the state, children are at risk of kidnap, rape, death, early marriage and poor quality education considering the fact that these aspects seem neglected by the state government.
The parliamentarian maintained that there should be aggressive awareness campaigns and capacity building in order to combat the urgent issues of child marriage, child labour, out of school children among others.
Others who spoke during the plenary including Honourable Mmesoma David, Deputy House Leader, Ihechukwu Chiemerie representing Ọgbaru constituency all expressed concerns over the increasing rate of child marriage in the state, calling for massive media campaign against such especially communities where it is prevalent.
On her part, the newly elected Speaker of the state Children’s Parliament, Right Honourable Victory Ekwunife, noted that it is the responsibility of the state government to reduce child hawking and alms giving to the barest minimum and to set up a routine made up of child development agents in curbing the menace.
The sitting is part of the annual programmes of the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare in Anambra state which takes place before the celebration of Children’s Day.
It is during the sitting that members of the parliament deliberate on issues relating to the Nigerian children.
The theme for this year’s children’s day is The State of Nigerian Children Today: “Proper Parenting of Value Reorientation and National Consciousness.”
