CHILDREN DAY ENUGU: CHILDREN DECRY INSECURITY, CHILD TRAFFICKING IN NIGERIA AS UNICEF DEMANDS IMPLEMENTATION OF CHILD RIGHTS ACT

REPORTER: EMEFIENA OKONKWO

As the country celebrates children’s day, some children in Enugu metropolis have called for peace and love among Nigerians irrespective of tribal, religious or political differences.

The children also said that transparency and sincerety on the part of government and among the people will reduce the high cost of food stuff and poverty in the country, as well as make child education truely free.

They decried the spate of killings, wanton destruction of property and other crimes in the country, including kidnapping and trafficking in children.

Still speaking on the celebration, the Enugu State Commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social Development, Princess Peace Nnaji, explained that the state government had ensured that children occupied a pride of place in the society.

While wishing the children a happy celebration, Princess Nnaji encouraged them to be of good character and to be diligent in their studies.

Highlighting the theme of the 2022 Children’s Day which is “Strengthning Supportive Systems for the Protection of Nigerian Child: A wake-up Call,” the new Chief of Field Office, United Nations Children’s Fund, ‘UNICEF’, Enugu, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, urged governments to be committed to child protection, wellbeing and development.

Mrs. Chiluwe encouraged parents to ensure that they register their children’s birth.

She called for the implementation of the Child Rights Act to protect and enhance the wellbeing of children.