International charity Save The Children Nigeria says Nigerian leaders at the state and national levels must implement policies that would improve the rights of children in the country.
“We want the government to double investment in children’s rights and ensure that all states in the country put in place child rights policies that will influence the lives of children in Nigeria positively,” Amanuel Mamo, the Director of Advocacy and Campaign of Save The Children, stated this at the inauguration of the 7th Children National Parliament in Abuja.
“We are supporting the Federal government to ensure that the children’s parliament is operational.”
He urged the Nigerian government to implement policies that will ensure that children are saved from sexual abuse, rape, child trafficking, molestation, physical and emotional abuse, as well as other vices that may affect their wellbeing.
He further gave assurance that no matter the obstacles, the child rights body will ensure that child rights issues are prioritized in Nigeria.
Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, represented by Chinedu Odoh, Child Protection Specialist Godwin, urged the Federal Government to work to improve the welfare of Nigerian children.
“The Government should ensure the implementation of policies that will improve the welfare and well-being of children in the country. We are appealing to the newly inaugurated parliament to demand the implementation of child rights acts in all states of the country,” Munduate said.
Umeh Progress, the newly elected Speaker of the 7th National Children’s Parliament, said the parliament would ensure that every state implements the child rights law.
She added that the parliament would improve the lives of the average Nigerian child by engaging in meaningful discussions that will end child trafficking, sexual exploitation, and harassment of children.
Ten members were elected into the National Children’s parliament.
