The Federal Government has urged state governors to adopt laws and policies that would bring an end to violence against children and other cultural practices that hinder their development.
The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, made the call in Lafia on Saturday at an event to mark the 2017 Children’s Day.
The theme of the celebration is “Child Protection and the Sustainable Development Goals: Issues and Opportunities”.
Osinbajo’s speech was read by the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr Bamaiyi Anangba, who also represented Gov. Tanko Al-Makura at the occasion.
The acting president renewed Federal Government’s commitment in ensuring that the rights of the Nigerian child are protected.
He urged other stakeholders to join in the fight against child violence and ensure that Nigerian children enjoyed their rights.
Osinbajo also disclosed that the Federal Government was providing one free nutritional meal to over 1, 274,620 pupils in 9,212 schools in nine states of the federation under its Home Grown School Feeding Programme.
The acting president also reaffirmed that the federal government would continue to accelerate programmes and investment through ministries and agencies to build protective services and empower families and children.
“As a country and as a government, we cannot afford to delay efforts that will ensure protection and development of our children through preventive approaches,” he said.
He appreciated security agencies for their efforts so far in protecting Nigerian children against danger and violence in line with the provision of extant laws, but urged them to redouble their efforts.
Osinbajo congratulated the Nigerian children as they celebrate their day.
Earlier, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Mary Enwongulu, admonished parents in the state to take proactive measures that would protect children against any form of violence.
“Children are social gifts and blessing from God. Let us recommit and rededicate ourselves to ensure their protection and well-being in all situations and circumstances,” she said.
The commissioner also renewed the state government commitment to continue to key in to good policies and programmes that have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state and Nigerians at large. (NAN)