By Njide Ezeonyejiaku
The need for every child to be equally treated was the crux of the message of the Executive Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education, Board, ASUBEB, Awka, Dr. Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi during the maiden National Summit on Child Rights, held at Awka.
The event organised by Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in collaboration with UNICEF Nigeria was themed: “Taking Sustainable Positive Actions for the Nigerian Child in the Information Age” attracted critical stakeholders in child development, including educators, policy makers, development partners, agencies of government and children themselves.
In her speech, the ASUBEB boss described children as the future leaders and the adults of tomorrow, who should be treated with equality, respect, and dignity to enable them live a responsible life in the society.
Dr. Nwadinobi maintained that the fundamental rights of children include right to life, education, development, and shelter, among others, pointing out that the right to education for umu akwukwo Anambra is a critical agenda of the incumbent administration in the State, under Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
“Mr. Governor has ensured that out of school children are back to school, including hard-to-reach areas where children find it difficult to go to school”, she said.
Continuing, Dr. Nwadinobi stated that the Governor has also declared free education for both primary and secondary schools in Anambra State, with learning materials already shared to schools to ensure that no child is left out, adding that the Anambra State Unified Teaching Modules for Primary Schools has brought uniformity of the scheme of work in all primary schools through the intervention of the education friendly Governor.
While commending the organisers of the event, she prays for a brighter future for the Nigerian children where all their rights will be protected.
Inauguration of the Child Rights Club in Anambra State by UNICEF, Nigeria, award of Child Rights Ambassador to the DVC, Paul University, Awka,Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna; the Communication Officer, Enugu Field Office, UNICEF, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe among others for their contributions in promoting child rights, cultural dance by children were the highlights of the event.
