UNICEF commends Adamawa state government for signing Child Protection Law  

Nigeria’s county office of the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri for signing the Child Protection Bill into law.

The commendation was contained in a statement by Ms Cristian Munduate, UNICEF representative in Nigeria.

According to her, “UNICEF commends the Governor of Adamawa state, Ahmadu Fintiri for signing the Child Protection Bill into law.”

The Child Protection Law is the official position of the Adamawa State Government that disregard for children’s rights is unacceptable and punishable.

Ms Munduate said “The law aims to safeguard the rights of children by preventing and addressing the killing and maiming of children, child labour, abductions of children, sexual violence against children and the recruitment and use of children by armed groups, among other grave violations of their rights.”

She said UNICEF hopes that the new law in Adamawa State will be effectively implemented and that vulnerable children are supported to survive, thrive and become successful members of the society.

“With the signing into law the Child Protection Bill by the government of Adamawa state, only Kano, Bauchi and Gombe states are yet to domesticate the Child Rights Act,” she added

UNICEF called on the Governments of these states to do the needful as a commitment of their respect for the rights of children.

It also re-emphasized its commitment to continue to work with the government of Adamawa State to operationalize the law and bring perpetrators and violators into account.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Education Consultant in Adamawa State, Joel Jutum in an interview with Voice of Nigeria commended the state Governor’s good working relationship with UNICEF.

Jutum said UNICEF in partnership with the Adamawa State government have developed validation of 2023 to 2025 State Education Sector Operational Plan where education stakeholders in the state, participated actively and came out with a document that will guide them in achieving quality and maintaining basic education standard in the State.

Governor Fintiri on his part had lauded UNICEF for the support it is providing to the state, pledging that his administration will make all counterpart contribution available in all the sectors UNICEF is supporting.