By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja
The Commissioner for Education in Kogi state, Wemi Jones , has said that the policies and programmes of the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo led administration is directed towards the development of children in the state.
The Commissioner who was speaking during the activities marking the 2024 children’s Celebrations, organized by Chachavivi women and Girl Child Development Foundation, said that the state’s health, education and general wellbeing of the people are in furtherance of the rights of the child to qualitative and affordable education, qualitative healthcare delivery and general welfare of the citizens.
He called on the children to be committed to their studies and become responsible citizens that can compete with their pears nationally and globally.
The Commissioner Commended the Chachavivi women and Girl Child Development Foundation, for organizing the activity to mark the children’s day celebrations, particularly the focus of the girl child and women.
“We are very mindful of the children in Kogi state and that is why all our programmes as a Government revolves around the children and in particular women and the girl child. We are doing all these because we know that the children are the most vulnerable in the society.
In her welcome address, Ms Halima Oiza Sadiq, Executive Director, Chachavivi women and Girl Child Development Foundation, noted that her organization focuses on the welfare of women and girl child because of their vulnerability.
She noted that the organization has been in the forefront of the struggle for a safe and secure environment for the women and the girl child.
According to her they have been canvassing for the rights of the girl child to education, quality Healthcare services and ensure that they are safe from all forms of Gender Based violence which are commonly associated with the girl child.
She charged the children to be confident in their ability to succeed in life, despite all the challenges facing them, and the government to focus more on the children, saying that the theme for this year’s children’s day celebrations, ‘Inclusion for Every child was Apt.
In her words Dr. Joy Audu,
Founder/CEO. Joy Spring Health Foundation, commended the Kogi State Government for taking particular interst in the development of the child.
She was particularly thrilled with the paying of all external examination fees for children in public schools by the government.
The international Childrens Day by Chachavivi Women and girl child development Foundation was in partnership with the ministry of Education in Kogi State on 27th May 2024.
In her words “the Theme of the year: Inclusion for every Child.27th of May Annually marks the international children’s day. It is a global day set aside to celebrate children all over the world by advocating for their rights and engaging stakeholders on the need to promote and improve quality systems that supports children develop into adulthood.
“Children all over the world face a lot of crises ranging from War, communal crises, insurgence and other factors which has left them vulnerable to Abuse, neglect exploitation and child labour concerns.
“Addressing these issues would provide the enabling environment for them to develop into Adulthood. Providing basic amenities such as health facilities, Education and ensuring their Nutrition and safety becomes necessary.
“It is in this light that Chachavivi women and girl child development foundation is commemorating the children’s day in Kogi State Nigeria. Chachavivi women and girl child foundation is committed to the well being and the peace and security of women, girls and children and is working in communities across Kogi State partnering with international organizations, individuals, groups and government agencies to achieve its mission.
The activities marking the event included a walk from the state liberary in Kogi state with students of private and public schools who were received by the Honorable commissioner for education Kogi State at his office.
The children presented a demand for Government to prioritise issues affecting children and create the enabling environment for them to grow safely into adulthood. They request areas included their right to education, Nutrition, health and Safety.
Participating in the event included Government functionaries present are commissioner for women Affairs and social development, SA to the govt on youth and student matters, commander NDLEA, other paramilitary and military, CSO’s in Abuja, NOA, including government and private schools.
“Finally I am saying thank you to all that supported in their little way to make this day a reality for children’s; Cal-maji foundation, forest citizens conservation foundation, Youth voyage, Habila Charit, Becon Youth development and other friends and loved ones.