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First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (2nd R), at the Day of the African Child/Inauguration of the Children Parliament.



First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (R), at the Day of the African Child/Inauguration of the Children Parliament.

Speeches

Jun 18, 2007 - Day Of The African Child/Inauguration Of The Children Parliament

Today, the children and people of Lagos State celebrate the year 2007 Day of the African Child which comes up on the 16th of June, 2007 every year as set aside by the Organization of African Unity, now African Union in memory of those courageous school children that were massacred under the apartheid regime in Soweto, South Africa while demanding for better education.

 

Apart from paying tribute to the memories of those children, this celebration also affords us the opportunity to reflect on the progress we have achieved in giving due recognition to the rights of the children as well as protecting them against the evils of child abuse, child labour and child trafficking which is the focus of this year’s celebration.

 

Child trafficking is indeed an unwholesome practice and a menace that has eaten deep into the social fabrics of the society. It is a societal problem that can only be effectively addressed with the active support of everyone including individuals, NGOs and corporate organizations.

 

In Lagos State, this year’s celebration is unique as it coincides with the conclusion of work on the Lagos State Child Right Bill which I am informed was recently passed by the State House of Assembly.

 

This no doubt, is a bold step that has been taken to secure the future of all our children in Lagos State. I therefore want to thank, on behalf of the children, the leadership and the entire members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for ensuring the final passage of the Bill.

 

I am also informed that this celebration will usher in the second Children’s Parliament upon the expiration of the tenure of the first parliament which was inaugurated in 2005. I congratulate the outgoing members of the parliament for a successful tenure of giving a voice to the needs and aspiration of the children of Lagos State. I also congratulate the incoming parliamentarians for being found worthy of representing and promoting the interests of their peers.

 

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the passage of the Child Rights Bill is not an end in itself. We all have a role to play in ensuring the realization of the objectives of the law. One of such roles is to report any act that violates the provisions of law to the relevant authorities. Children of today are leaders of tomorrow. We must join hands with the government to ensure that their future is not in any way compromised.

 

Finally, I want to commend the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Shade Jaji, Directors and Staff of the Ministry for the success of this year’s celebration of the Day of the African Child.

 

I congratulate our children and wish you all happy celebration.

 

Thank you and God bless you all.

 

Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State