CHILDREN’S DAY: SOLUDO, WIFE, OTHERS, CELEBRATE ANAMBRA CHILDREN, EXTOL THEIR ABUNDANT TALENTS
By Christian ABURIME
The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has described Anambra children as highly talented.
Governor Soludo stated this during the 2023 Children’s Day Celebration at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka where he charged Anambra children to be good ambassadors of the state, Nigeria, and Africa by abstaining from all social vices.
The theme for this year’s event is: “The State of the Nigerian Child Today: Proper Parenting for Value Reorientation and National Consciousness.”
The Governor reminded the children that they are the owners of tomorrow, assuring them of fighting their cause through protection and provision of their basic needs such as health and education.
“My primary goal is to pray for our children to take charge and grow up to be responsible citizens who will help build our dream for Anambra, Nigeria, and Africa.”
“On child marriage, hawking, child labor, and child abuse. It is enshrined in the child rights law.” These laws must be enforced.
“Child abuse is an abominable act for an Anambra child.” Cultism is a threat, and we have seen its negative effects. The majority of the children and youths involved in this all die when they are young.
“The Anti-Cultism Act will continue to take effect and will be enforced with zero tolerance for any cult group,” Governor Soludo said.
“Now that the Nigerian Correctional Service is in the concurrent list, Anambra will have its own laws and build its own prisons. States can now have their own correctional facilities.
“Drug abuse is wrecking havoc on the youths today.” Drugs, cultism, and criminality all go hand in hand.
“Parents must face their responsibilities!” Many parents delegate their responsibilities to their domestic workers, whom they often mal-treat. A bill is presently being drafted to protect domestic workers!
“We must have a society in which everyone receives justice and children have limitless opportunities to realize their God-given potential,” the Soludo added.
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Women and Social Affairs, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, revealed that Governor Soludo established a designated sexual and gender-based court where justice is given to every child who is a victim of any form of abuse in the eyes of the law.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Anambra Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu and Speaker of the Anambra House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uchenna Okafor, stressed that the Child Rights law has privileges that are usually implemented to the letter and lauded the Governor’s commitment to child development following the provision of the 2023 budget and his one youth two skills, as well as the solution innovation district initiative.
The Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Chief of Staff, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Speaker of Children Parliament, Hon. Victoria Ekwunife, Members of Anambra State Executive Council among others attended the event.