...As Ebonyi observes 2023 Children's Day Celebration
The Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has expressed worry over the rising cases of child abuse in society nowadays.
The governor in his speech on Saturday during the event for the 27th May, the Children's Day at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Abakaliki, the State Capital.
He lamented high cases of child abuse including rape, domestic violence, child labour, trafficking and insecurity, which according to him, have created a negative impact on the psyche of youngsters.
He, however, called for a collective responsibility for both parents and governments to build the right future for children and the nation.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the wife of the governor, Mrs Rachael Umahi.
The theme for the 2023 celebration is "The state of Nigerian children today; proper parenting for value reorientation and national consciousness"
The governor, who was represented by Mr Kenneth Ugbala, Secretary to the State Government, maintained that parents are primary agents of socialisation with a robust role to play in their lives.
According to him, the collective efforts would transform their dreams into reality.
"We have managed the menace of out-of-school children and generally boosted child education through our various interventions and up-to-date payment of UBEB counterpart funding among others.
"The gains of our input in the education sector have been evident in the result of the school entrance examination, WAEC and other external assessments, "Umahi said.
Also speaking, Mrs Deborah Okah, Commissioner in the ministry described as unfortunate the rising cases of child labour and abuse in society these days.
Commissioner Okah equally charged parents, teachers, guardians and the government authorities to live up to their responsibilities to ensure the future of the children is protected for the better.
Victor Nnanna, Speaker, of Ebonyi Children's Parliament, said the theme was aimed at reawakening the children's moral consciousness to be bumble, peaceful, law-abiding obedient to parents and constituted authorities.
"It is my pleasure to remind government officials here that living a life without violence is the right of all children. That is essential for their development as useful adults.
"The government, private institutions, religious organizations and the general public must work collectively to stop actions capable of undermining the growth, development and survival of children in the state," Nnanna said.
The Chairperson of the Occasion, Esther Igboke, requested to government and private organisations to rise to their statutory responsibilities and ensure their plights were addressed.
Mr Ben Okah, the Chairman, of Ebonyi Elders Council, advised that more emphasis should be given to public schools in the rural areas of the state.
Recall that the occasion featured march-pass by students and the best performance from the exercise was drawn from the Nursery, primary and secondary schools category; with cutting of the Year 2023 Children's Day Celebration Cake.
