On International Children’s Day, Nasarawa Speaker Danladi Jatau called for an end to child labor, out-of-school children, and street begging, pledging legislative action to protect children’s rights and promote education

[dropcap]O[/dropcap]n the occasion of this year’s International Children’s Day celebration, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Danladi Jatau, has made a fervent call for an end to harmful practices such as child labour, the prevalence of out-of-school children, street begging, and hawking, among other acts detrimental to the growth and well-being of children in society.

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The Speaker pledged that the 7th Assembly, under his leadership, will continue to enact laws and make resolutions specifically designed to protect children’s rights and encourage their education.

Jatau conveyed this message in a statement made available to journalists by his Press Secretary, Jibrin Gwamna, on Tuesday in Lafia.

The statement also conveyed the Speaker’s congratulations to children across the 13 local government areas of the state on this special day. He urged all levels of government to ensure children are well-educated to guarantee their future.

“Children are special gifts from God. There is a need for parents, guardians and the authorities concerned to ensure that the Nigerian child is given all the necessary support through love, education and moral training to build an egalitarian society for the betterment of all,” the Speaker emphasized.

I am particularly not happy with the growing rate of out-of-school children, child labour, street hawking, and begging, as well as all forms of violence against children.

He expressed particular concern over rising statistics: “I am particularly not happy with the growing rate of out-of-school children, child labour, street hawking, and begging, as well as all forms of violence against children. I therefore call for collective responsibility to tackle the menace in society.”

Jatau stressed that if parents, guardians, stakeholders, and individuals collaborate with the government in tackling child abuse and other forms of violence against children, it would significantly contribute to promoting peace, unity, and societal development.

Describing education as the best instrument to fight poverty and other societal vices, Jatau urged parents and guardians to prioritize their children’s education.

He further reiterated the State Assembly’s commitment to continuously support government policies and programs aimed at assisting children in achieving their full potential.

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The Speaker advised parents and guardians to reflect on the significance of the day and actively work towards ensuring a guaranteed future for their children and all young residents of the state.