By Chizoba Okeke
The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, has called on governments at all levels and relevant stakeholders to place greater priority on the welfare, development, and future of Nigerian children as the nation marks this year’s Children’s Day celebration.
Felicitating with children in Anambra State and across the country, Udeze reassured residents that the State Legislature would continue to give full attention to issues affecting children, particularly through the enactment of laws and policies aimed at protecting and advancing their rights and overall well-being.
The Speaker emphasized the urgent need for governments, institutions, and citizens to recognize the critical importance of children’s welfare, happiness, education, and growth, urging concerted efforts to address challenges threatening their development.
Udeze disclosed that the Anambra State House of Assembly made history as the first legislative institution in Nigeria to pass the Child Rights Bill in 2005, which was later signed into law in 2006 by former governor, Dame Virgy Etiaba. He appealed to states yet to enact or fully implement the Child Rights Law to do so in the best interest of Nigerian children.
He further urged parents and guardians to instill discipline, moral values, and proper orientation in children, stressing the importance of raising responsible future leaders and building peaceful, stable, and prosperous homes and society.
The Speaker also advised children to remain focused on their education and aspirations while shunning activities capable of jeopardizing their future.
Commending Governor Chukwuma Soludo for policies targeted at repositioning the future of children in Anambra State, Udeze particularly praised the administration’s free education policy, which he said has expanded access to quality and affordable education for children across the state.
He equally called on public-spirited individuals and organizations to contribute meaningfully toward improving the welfare and future of children in Anambra State.
Chizoba is from the ministry of information
