Gov’s wife, Speaker, others seek better life for children

As Nigerians join their counterparts to mark the International Day of the African Child today, the Wife of the Anambra State Governor and Founder of Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE) Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, has advocated greater care and attention to indigent children especially those with special needs.

Mrs Obiano made the plea in her message on the commemoration of International Day of the African Child, celebrated internationally today.

In a statement signed on her behalf by her Chief Media Officer, Mr Emeka Ozumba, Chief Mrs Obiano observed that the day’s theme: “Leave no child behind in African Development,” reminds everyone that every child needs support, proper nurturing and education to grow through life.

According to the Governor’s wife, children are God’s precious gift of love to mankind. She called for inclusiveness that will ensure that no child is left behind, stressing that in this era of pervasive hunger and privation there is the tendency to ignore the plight of others especially indigent children with special needs.

The Governor’s wife expressed appreciation to the state government for its commitment to the protection and welfare of children which she noted is apparent in steadfast implementation of child-friendly programmes by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Children and Women Affairs.

The CAFÉ founder also assured that her NGO, CAFÉ will sustain collaboration with the Ministry especially in the area of child welfare by supporting maternal and child healthcare, immunization and social education for the development of sound mind and body that would lead to the realization of the hopes, dreams and aspirations of every Anambra child.

Also the speaker of the State House of Assembly Barrister Rita Maduagwu, on her part, has called on various legislative institutions in the country to enact laws aimed at providing adequate security and training for the children of the country.

In her goodwill message to mark the day, Barrister Maduagwu noted that giving proper moral and academic training to the children would help in breeding responsible future leaders.

The Speaker who enjoined different countries in Africa to map out programmes designed to create enabling environment that would ensure safety, love and vision for the children, urged communities to spell out severe punishment for those who maltreat children in any form.

Maduagwu extolled the wonderful efforts of Mrs Obiano in repositioning the condition of children of the state by engaging them in useful ventures as well as providing them with better opportunities to become important members of the society in future.

Contributing on the significant of the day, the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Princess Nikky Ugochukwu described children as the most valuable component of the family in view of their future benefits to the lager society.

Speaking to newsmen at the State House of Assembly complex Awka, on this year’s celebration of International Day of the Africa Child, Princess Ugochukwu stressed the need to accommodate children in all aspects of development in line with this year’s theme “Leave No Child behind for African Development.”

The Lawmaker assured that her Committee would continue to collaborate with the wife of the Governor, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, who she said, has distinguished herself in the overall development of children of the state as well as the Ministry of Women Affairs to provide a platform which will enable Anambra children to compete vigorously with their counterparts elsewhere.