FOR THE LOVE OF OUR CHILDREN
Maimuna M Ikwulono Esq.
NBA, Makurdi Branch.
Today is May 27th, a special day earmarked to celebrate our children universally. We join all lovers of children in all sphere of life to congratulate our precious seeds and future as they celebrate the Children’s Day. Alot has been done to protect and secure the Rights of these vulnerable class of citizens internationally, nationally and at the State levels. A day as this afords opportunity to reflect on their plights and needs. The UNICEF has estimated a whooping 18million children being out of school and worst hit are conflicts States including Benue. The importance of education to children cannot be overemphasised. Bulk of our insecurity challenges in the country is traceable to lack of or insufficient attention to quality Education of the young minds. We hope that this occasion draws attention to this very important need and Indeed a Right for the Children.
No doubt, it was in recognition of the very important position children occupy in society and its future that the Child’s Rights Act 2003 was enacted in the Country. Thankfully, many States including Benue have since then domesticated same and incorporated it into their Laws. This is commendable and a harbinger of hope for a greater and secured tomorrow for the children. It is however a fact that not all States have taken this bold step and one wonders the fate and extend of protection the rights of children enjoy in such environments.
Equally worrisome is the absence of functional Family Courts to enforce these Rights. The law becomes meaningless when it lacks the essential facilities for its implementation. Again we hope in the spirit of this day that the relevant Authorities will hasten to put in place the necessary modalities for the take off of the Family Court so as to guarantee, secure and enforce the Rights of the children.
