To commemorate Universal Children’s Day 2024, the Federal Government has reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the rights, safety, and well-being of Nigerian children.

In a statement signed by Head of Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Grace Njoku on Wednesday, the Minister, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, ‘Advancing Children’s Rights for a Sustainable Future’.

She described it as both a call to action and a recognition of the progress made in protecting children’s rights across the country.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality education, healthcare, and a life free from harm and fear.

She commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its focus on creating an enabling environment for children to thrive.

The Minister highlighted key efforts made by the government, including the domestication of the Child Rights Act (CRA 2003) across all 36 states of the federation.

She also noted the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015, which reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to combating all forms of violence against children.

In addition, she pointed to Nigeria’s recent pledges at the Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogota, Colombia, where the country made significant global commitments to safeguarding the rights of its youngest citizens.

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Hajiya Sulaiman-Ibrahim revealed that the government had allocated over ₦112 billion through the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools to ensure secure and inclusive learning environments for children over the next three years.

She described the investment as a vital step in protecting children’s access to education.

While celebrating these milestones, the Minister acknowledged that challenges such as child labor, trafficking, and harmful cultural practices persist.

She called on parents, educators, policymakers, traditional rulers, and community leaders to work together to address these issues and create a safer environment for children.

She reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting inclusive and equitable education, particularly for girls and children in underserved communities.

The Minister also urged stakeholders to support the upcoming 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, scheduled to begin on November 25, 2024.

“As we celebrate Universal Children’s Day, we must remember that every child represents our collective future.

“The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs will continue to champion initiatives that empower and protect Nigerian children, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to thrive”, the Minister said.