By Njide Ezeonyejiaku
The maiden National Summit on Child Rights organised by Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in collaboration with UNICEF Nigeria has ended with a call on the critical stakeholders to take positive and concerted actions in protecting the rights of the Nigerian Child from the onslaught of the digital age.
The Summit themed: “Taking Sustainable Positive Actions for the Nigerian Child in the Information Age”, held at the Main Auditorium, Nnamdi Azikiwe University also had children, who were the major beneficiaries in attendance.
Welcoming the participants, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi expressed delight that UNIZIK is privileged to host the event which was the first of its kind in any Nigerian university.
Prof. Arinze-Umobi, represented by the Director of Academic Planning, UNIZIK Awka, Prof. Angela Ufele-Obiesie appealed to parents and other duty bearers to take seriously the nurturing of children in this digital age, while praying that Nigeria will be better for everyone.
In his opening remark, the Chairman of the occasion, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, represented by the former Chairman, NBA, Awka branch, Barr. Amaka Ezeno, stated that time has come to make the voices of children heard, pointing out such summits help to disseminate the contents of the Child Rights Laws to all.
In his introductory speech, the chairman, planning committee, Dr. Obiorah Edogor noted that UNIZIK has in the last two years joined in the growing global trend of giving more attention to studies on Child Rights as a means of ensuring better protection of children.
While appreciating UNICEF for their positive response to UNIZIK’s invitation, he thanked the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS for laying the foundation that led to the National Summit on Child Rights which the incumbent Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi embraced and birthed.
Presenting the keynote speech, Prof. Ogugua Ikpeze decried the denigration of women in the Igbo culture, as well as the abuse of children who she described as special gifts from God.
Prof. Ikpeze who is the Dean, Faculty of Law, UNIZIK Awka, noted that due to the feeble and vulnerable nature of children, they need to be protected against the inherent dangers of the information and digital age, while urging the media to fashion new ways of reporting child related issues in the society to ensure that their rights are protected.
Meanwhile, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Enugu Zone, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe in a paper titled: “For Every Child, there is Right to Education”, presented by the Communication Officer, Enugu Field Office, UNICEF, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe noted that education is the right of every child, stressing that education is crucial for children’s development, health, living standards and preparing them for a responsible life in a free society.
Other speakers at the event include: the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu, represented by the Director, Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights Department, NHRC, Mr. Harry Ogwuche Obe; and the Executive Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, ASUBEB, Dr. Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi.
The discussants at the summit were the Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, represented by Prof. Njideka Ibisi; th DG, NAPTIP, Binta L. Adamu, represented by Ibadin Judith Chukwu; the DG, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, frpa, represented by Dr. Joe Onwurah, and the President, Association for Childhood Educators, Prof. Ngozi Anyikwa, while the University Orator, Prof. Frank-Collins Okafor aptly anchored the event.
Inauguration of Child Rights Club in Anambra State by UNICEF; award of Child Rights Ambassador to some Child Rights promoters; cultural dance; and fluting (igbu oja) by a girl child featured at the event.
