By Ahmed Liman Kingimi, Maiduguri Nigeria.
In commemoration of 2024 World Children’s Day, UNICEF in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Borno State House of Assembly, CASFOD, and the Borno State Children’s Parliament today hosts children as they take over the Office of the Speaker and members of the Borno State House of Assembly for a special sitting. With some members in attendance to mark the 2024 World Children’s Day.
Fatima Chiroma Zanna, a 15-year-old aspiring 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 the helm as children from various constituencies took over the House, bringing their unique perspectives and ideas to the forefront.
Speaking during the event Dr. Gerida Birukila, the UNICEF Chief of the Maiduguri Field Office represented by Joseph Senesie, UNICEF Nutrition Manager said
“I want to emphasize that while progress has been made to actualize the rights of children, there is still room for improvement,” Birukila said.
The UNICEF official recalled that the recent flooding event has further exacerbated the challenges being faced by children.
“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.”
Alhaji Waziri Mohammed of Save the Children a UNICEF partner calls 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.
Waziri further explained that Save the Children remains deeply committed to supporting this 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 “.
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.
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.
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