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My Lords,
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen.
All precedence observed
In the Name of Love Peace and Harmony, accept my greetings
as the Former National Deputy Senate Leader of the Nigerian
Children’s Parliament and the Coordinator of the Lagos State
Children’s Parliament.
I am delighted to be here before you this morning for this
special meeting. Let me begin by expressing my deepest
appreciation to the organizers of this event for given me
this grate opportunity to make an appeal on behalf of
Nigerian Children.
Today i want to
share with you an aspect of international law that is as
close to my heart which is the United Nations Convention on
the Right of a Child. And the reason is that after some
years of its adoption by the world leaders, it as continue
to make a difference in the lives of children in the world
over.
I must let you
know that the then Military Government in Nigeria lost its
focus on the need to protect the fundamental human right not
to talk of respecting children’s right.
Looking into this
convention, Nigerian Government is amongst the world leaders
that signed this treaty and due to the present dispensation
in the country, the Government as been able to promote
Gender Equality, Women and Children’s Empowerment and
participation. Through the complimentary support of NGOs,
CBOs and the Unicef Nigeria many children and young people
now knows their right and responsibilities even at the
grassroot level.
This was achieved
through the support of Non-Governmental Organizations with
developmental projects that brings about Protection,
Participation, Survival and Development of Children and
continuous education of children and young people on their
rights and responsibilities.
Unicef as also
played a major role in lobbying the Nigerian House of
Assembly in passing of Childs Right Bill to law in
2003.though it was rejected but it was later passed and
domesticated. Alot of Nigerian Children now knows about the
United Nations Convention on the Right of a Child through
the inauguration of Child Rights Clubs in various schools
across the country.
As a mark of
respect for the Nigerian Child, the Government and other
stakeholders such as Unicef inaugurated the Nigerian
Children’s Parliament in December 2000.and following the
passing of Childs Right Act, may I bring it to your
knowledge that the Nigerian Children’s Parliament was
Formerly inaugurated by His Excellency the Commander
in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR) on the 27th, May
2003.The parliament as given many children and young people
opportunities to delibrate on key issues that affects them.
The parliament was inaugurated to promote children and young
people in policy and decision-making.
It has since its
inception been able to lobby state houses of assembly in
passing the Childs Right Act into law at the state level.
One of the significant bill it has passed this year was a
bill on the compulsory use of Mosquito Insecticide Treated
Bed Nets in all Boarding Schools Across the country. This is
because it believes that article 5 of the United Nations
convention on the right of the child states that every child
has a right to life and dignity which must be properly
developed and well protected so as to ensure mental growth
of every child.
Let me use this
opportunity to urge their lordships here present to
establish a children’s parliament in their respective
countries. This is the only opportunity and empowerment that
can be given to a child. Through this, children will be able
to delibrate on key issues that affects them, since children
are regarded to be the most vulnerable in terms of
decision-making in the society.
I must let you
know that within this 6 years of democratic setting in
Nigeria, children’s right mostly on participation has been
well respected. I believe that young people can change the
world through participation.
I believe that as
young people children will want to prove to the world that
they can make a difference, because they have views,
experiences and insight that can enrich adults understanding
and that they can make positive contribution towards adults
action.
I believe that
children are not the problem but the solution, and that they
are investment and not expenditure. They are not only the
leaders of tomorrow but the Present change makers.
I leave a note
that
Together we aspire
Together we achieve
Together we make grate things happen
Because we can
We must
And we will.
Please acknowledge a child with respect. |
