Dr. Albasu Kunini, Speaker, Taraba state House of Assembly has appealed for more deliberate efforts to project children and prepare them for adulthood.
The Speaker, who spoke to journalists, on Monday, in commemoration of the International day of the girl child, said that a lot of children were made to go through difficulties that oftentimes traumatise them, to the extent of impeding the fulfilment of their full potentials.
He cited insurgency and other security challenges that had forced many of the children out of their homes into camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), as exposing them, especially the girl child, to dangerous situations.
“As you are all aware, today is set aside for all humanity to celebrate the girl child and to meditate on how to better their lives.
“This year, the effects of COVID-19 pandemic, the insurgency and banditry as well as other security challenges bedevilling the country have added even more to the vulnerability of the Nigerian girl child.
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“It is imperative that we all step up deliberate and concerted efforts to ensure the protection of the girls staying in IDP camps,” he said.
He also said that those who are out of school, those who are still in the hands of kidnappers and those recovering from the traumatic experiences of ethnic crisis and other challenges need the people’s support.
“Governments at all levels and indeed, all well meaning people must put all hands on deck to ensure that we plan a better future for our children.
“As a Legislature, we must continue to come up with legislations and collaborate with the relevant bodies to make sure that the future of our children is not jeopardized.
“Let me use this opportunity to once again call on Civil Society Organizations and other foundations, as well as well individuals and groups to reach out, without hesitation, to address the plight of the girl child, even as we wish them a happy Day commemoration,” Kunini said. (NAN)
