Date: 2016-05-28

The Kwara state governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed has again urged Nigerian children to imbibe the spirit of hard work, honesty, patience and patriotism at all times.

The Governor made the call Friday in his message at the National Children's Day Celebration with the theme "Protecting the Right of the child in the face of Violence and Security; End child Marriages "held at the Metropolitan Square, Ilorin.

Ahmed, who was represented by the State Head of Service, Hajia Zahrat Omar reassured them of his commitment towards protecting and promoting the rights and privileges of Nigerian children.

According to him, the Children's Day Celebration is to remind the parents of their responsibilities towards protecting the rights of their children; teaching them to live a life of honesty and dedication as well as love the country.

The Governor called on stakeholders to take decisive action to stem the case of violence and intimidation against children. Ahmed added that the Federal Government would not relent in efforts to rescue all the missing Chibok Girls, saying no Nigerian should be put through the brutality of abduction, violence and forced marriage.

Also, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Asiat Ayinke Saka, told VON at the National Day Children Celebration in Ilorin, that the ministry was working with other relevant agencies to ensure that measures are put in place to fight child abuse, abduction, labour and child trafficking, among other vices. Hajia Saka called for a critical role in protecting children against all forms of violence.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Victor Abioye enjoined parents and guardians to protect their children against violence and imbibe in them good moral values.

A cross section of children who also spoke with VON appealed to all tiers of government to pay their teachers when due, to enable them to concentrate in the discharge of their duties.

They identified child abuse,sexual harassment ,child trafficking ,kidnapping and child labour as some of the violence against children in the society. On the role of parents toward their children,some of them implored parents to be more responsive to the yearnings and aspirations of their children and inculcate in them good morals and other forms of discipline . They also encouraged their colleagues to report any violence against them to the appropriate quarters.

The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr Ali Ahmad has stressed the need for government to stamp out all forms of abuse against the children with thorough implementation of the Child Rights Act. Doctor Ahmad maintained that house would ?ensure their maximum protection in the society and prepares them for the future.

The Speaker made the call in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Shuaib Abdulkadir ?to commemorate this year's Children's Day, lamenting the level at which child abuse has risen to in the country. He admonished other states of the federation that are yet to domesticate the Child Rights Act to as a matter of necessity do so in the interest of the nation.

Doctor Ahmad also advised parents to always monitor their children and as well ensure proper training in a bid to secure their future and build a peaceful society. Similarly, the Speaker pledged that the eighth Assembly’s commitment to collaborate with the executive and relevant agencies in the state to make life meaningful for the children.

According to him, all stakeholders needed to ensure that the children’s rights were always preserved and protected. "The nature of abuses several children are being subjected to in our country today is very worrisome.

It is high time we get it right as a nation to see to the maximum protection of the children, provide them with sound and quality education for the overall benefits of Nigeria," he said.

Dr Ahmad, howeve,r ?lauded the present administration’s efforts at rescuing the remaining abducted Chibok girls and return them back safely to their parents.