Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has inaugurated the fifth Children’s Parliament, with an assurance that his administration would strengthen ties with relevant stakeholders to promote, sustain and preserve child rights.
Governor Abiodun, who gave the assurance during the inauguration at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said the Parliament would serve as a voice for children to table their ideas, to contribute meaningfully to the society.
Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon Adijat Adeleye, added that the platform symbolises a commitment to nurturing future leaders, who would play pivotal roles in shaping the trajectory of the state and the nation at large.
"The inauguration aligns with the participatory rights of the child as outlined in the Child Right Act Law 2003 and Ogun State Children's Law 2006, which provide them with a sense of belonging, recognition and opportunity to voice their opinion, as well as contribute to matters that affect them", he said.
Speaking, the Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, called on the young Parliamentarians to seize every opportunity at their disposal to lobby and advise government on policies, in an articulate manner and responsibly request for a better tomorrow, to fast-track their rights as future leaders.
He urged them to be responsible members of the Parliament, be good role models and eschew any untoward behaviour in their schools and homes so that other children in the state could be proud of them.
In his goodwill message, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Segun Fagbayi, said the platform was an avenue to learn and serve, urging the Parliamentarians to represent their respective local governments and be exemplary ambassadors.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief (Mrs.) Ayotunde Lawal, said child trafficking remains a menace in society and should be eradicated, adding that children need to be protected, while parents and all stakeholders must rise against child abuse.
Lawal reaffirmed state government's commitment in restoring the confidence of the children with valuable investment in the Social Protection Sector within the governance framework.
Remarking, the Speaker of the Parliament, Ezekiel Favour, representing Ifo local government area of the state, said the resolution reached at the Plenary would be presented to the governor, expressing optimism that the resolution would be implemented, to strengthen Child Rights Law.
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