UNICEF, Borno Assembly, others commemorate World Children Day with children presiding over house sitting
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has partnered with the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Borno State House of Assembly, CASFOD, and Borno State Children’s Parliament to host a special event to mark the 2024 World Children’s Day.
Children took over the Office of the Rt. Hon. Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly for a special sitting with some members in commemoration of the 2024 World Children’s Day. This event is part of the global celebration of World Children’s Day, which is marked every year on November 20. The day marks the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and is a call to action for children’s rights ².”
At the floor of the house, Miss Fatima Chiroma Zanna, a 15-year old and aspiring young medical doctor from Marte constituency, made history as the one-day Speaker of the Borno State Children’s Parliament.
She is the first girl to hold this position in 20 years. Fatima took over the helm of affairs as children from various constituencies took over the House, bringing their unique perspectives and ideas to the forefront at the house .
Speaking during the event, the UNICEF Chief of the Maiduguri Field Office, Dr. Gerida Birukila, represented by UNICEF Nutrition Manager, Joseph Senesie, said: “I want to emphasize that while progress has been made to actualize the rights of children, there is still room for improvement.”
“As we speak, thousands of children displaced by the flood are out of school. UNICEF is, in the interim, providing radio learning classes for over 10,000 children displaced by flood in IDP camps in Gubio and Dikwa.”
She however, said the recent flooding event has further posed severe hardships and posed great problem to the children.
“UNICEF is also lighting up the Old Welcome Roundabout near St. Patrick in blue! Key messages on child rights have been placed at the roundabout,” Gerida added
While Waziri Mohammed of Save the Children, a UNICEF partner called on all parliamentarians, policymakers, and stakeholders to work towards the full implementation of the law.
“Passing the law is the first step, its impact will only be felt when it is effectively enforced. I urge all of us to ensure that adequate resources, awareness campaigns, and structures are put in place to bring this law to life.
“Our children deserve nothing less than the full realization of their rights to protection, education, and participation,” Wazirin.added.
According to him, Save the Children remains deeply committed to supporting the process.
“We believe that every child has the right to be protected from harm, to have a voice in decisions that affect their lives, and to access opportunities that allow them to reach their full potential.
“Through platforms like the Borno State Children’s Parliament, we aim to amplify children’s voices and enable them to advocate for their own rights, Waziri said “.
Goodwill messages were presented from the state House of Assembly, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Youth and Sports who all expressed delight over the performance of the children.