UNICEF Commends Enugu State Govt’s Efforts in Protecting Child Rights

The Chief of United Nations Children’s Fund, Enugu field office, Doctor Ibrahim Conteh has commended the Enugu State Government for its commitment and achievement in child protection, development and well being. Doctor Conteh gave the commendation in Enugu, during a working visit to his office by the Enugu State Commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social Development, Princess Peace Nnaji.

Doctor Conteh noted that Enugu State through the Ministry of Gender Affairs and Social Development had implemented far reaching programmes, which had lifted many women and children from poverty. Speaking on the essence of the visit, the Commissioner, Princess Peace Nnaji stated that the collaboration between the Ministry and UNICEF, over the past four years recorded unprecedented successes which included the passage of the Child Rights Bill and its enactment.

Princess Nnaji said that the Ministry and UNICEF would strengthen their collaboration on key issues which include teenage pregnancy and child adoption. The Chairman, Enugu State Adoption Committee and Anglican Arch Bishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Church of Nigeria, the Most Reverend Emmanuel Chukwuma who accompanied the Commissioner on the visit, stressed the need to sustain the fight against illegal child adoption and baby factory.

Other members of the Adoption Committee that accompanied the Commissioner on the visit including a Psychologist, Professor Peter Ebigbo, Zonal Co-ordinator South East, National Agency for the prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Mrs Comfort Agboko, traditional rulers and representative of Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, the Most Reverend Callistus Onaga.

EMEFIENA OKONKWO