John Shiklam in Kaduna
Kaduna state governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has said that his administration
has been pushing for the domestication of the “Child Rights Act” as a necessary tool for the protection of girls and their self actualistion.
He also declared that when the bill becomes fully operational at the commencement of next academic calendar in September, parents that refuse to send their children to school will face the law.
Speaking during the commemoration of the 2016 World Population Day on Wednesday in Kaduna, the governor noted that teenage girls in Nigeria, especially in the north, are facing challenges ranging from forced marriages, early motherhood, sexual abuse, gender discrimination and lack of access to basic social services which are detrimental to their well-being.
“Teenage girls need to be given the necessary tools and opportunities to make informed decisions about their lives and future. That is why this administration has been pushing for the domestication of the “Child Rights Act”, as a necessary tool that will give girls the protection that they need and a fair chance for self-realisation” the governor said.
He said the state the justice system was being strengthened to speedily respond and tackle cases of rapes and other forms of violence and abuse against the girl child in the state adding that the effort has been yielding positive results.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Barnabas Bantex said further that the state government is investing massively in educating of children, adding that the State Assembly recently passed an executive bill that gives every child access to 9 years of free and compulsory basic education in the state.
“We are delighted today to join the entire global community in commemorating the World Population Day. Today has been set aside by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to draw the attention of governments and developmental agencies on population issues affecting developing societies like ours.
“The theme of this year’s World Population Day, is “Investing in Teenage Girls”, an issue that this government is especially passionate about because firmly believe that every teenage girl should be given the opportunity to grow into a productive adult contributing to the growth and development of her community.
“We cannot deny that young and teenage girls in Nigeria, especially in the north, are facing issues detrimental to their well being. Issues ranging from forced marriages, early motherhood, sexual abuse, gender discrimination and lack of access to basic social services like reproductive healthcare services, education and prompt justice in cases were these girls have been sexually abused.
MORE DETAILS LATER
