John Shiklam in Kaduna
Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, says his administration was taking steps to address the increasing number of school-aged children engaged in street hawking.
Speaking at the launching of the Adolescent Girls Initiative Programme on Wednesday in Kaduna, he said the large number of school-aged children currently engaged in street hawking or begging and other inhumane practices was appalling.
El-Rufai however said the law against street begging, which was recently enacted and slated to take effect by next month will tackle the problem.
He added further that the proposed Child Rights Bill which has been modified by the state government and due for domestication as soon as it is passed by the state house of assembly will further protect children and their interest, as well as guarantee their right to qualitative, free and safe education.
“We have enacted the Street Begging and Hawking (Prohibition) Law that will come into effect next month to ensure that every child above the age of 6 in Kaduna goes to school.
“Our proposed Child Rights Bill will further protect our children and their interest, as well as guarantee their right to qualitative, free and safe education.
“All these concerted efforts demonstrate our dedication to the promotion of education. We are convinced that education will not only empower our people and make them more valuable citizens, but also help them make informed choices in life” the governor said.
He said it was gratifying that the adolescent girls’ initiative was being spearheaded from the north.
“We are pleased with the pilot of the adolescent girls’ initiative in Northern Nigeria spear-headed by the UNFPA and CIDA in response to improved safety for school girls, delayed marriage and female empowerment through access to education took off in Zaria”, he stressed.
