World Children’s Day: UNICEF, Kano Government Champion Children’s Rights

In commemoration of World Children’s Day, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Kano State Government, has launched a series of initiatives aimed at promoting and safeguarding the rights of children in the state.

The celebration featured activities designed to amplify children’s voices and draw attention to issues affecting their well-being.

One of the highlights was a visit to the emir’s palace, where the plight of children in Kano was brought to the fore. The 16th Emir of Kano, Mallam Mohammed Sanusi, underscored critical challenges facing children, including out-of-school rates, drug abuse, maternal mortality, and inadequate support for orphans and widows.

In response, Emir Sanusi pledged to advocate for solutions and called on stakeholders to prioritize children’s welfare while encouraging children to remain committed to their education.

Children Parliament

As part of the celebration, children symbolically “took over” the Kano State House of Assembly in a special sitting organised by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in collaboration with UNICEF.

Representing the 40 members of the house, students from various schools raised pressing concerns under the leadership of a 15-year-old Speaker, Mohammed Isa.

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Key issues discussed included the urgent need for enhanced school security to address rising insecurity, particularly in rural areas. Presenting a motion, Nafisa Sale from the Rano constituency called for measures such as fencing schools and deploying security personnel to protect students from threats like kidnappings and attacks.

The children also highlighted financial barriers to education, urging the government to provide incentives, especially for girls, to improve school retention and completion rates.

They commended the Kano State government’s allocation of 31% of the budget to education and initiatives such as free uniforms and books but called for additional investments in irrigation projects to bolster food security, employment, and social stability.

Safe Learning Environments

UNICEF Communication Officer for the Kano Field Office, Mr. Samuel Kalau, emphasised that World Children’s Day is an opportunity for children to amplify their voices and advocate for action.

This year’s theme, “Happy Childhood,” focuses on creating safe learning environments, aligned with UNICEF’s global #GoBlue campaign.

Mr. Kalau praised the Kano State Assembly for demonstrating its commitment to shaping a better future for children and ensuring their welfare remains a top priority.

World Children’s Day, marked annually on November 20, serves as a reminder of the global commitment to building a more inclusive and secure world for children.