By Justina Auta
The Nigerian Children’s Parliament, an Initiative of the Ministry of Women Affairs, will elect principle officers into the seventh National Children’s Parliament to promote the rights and participation of children in the scheme of affairs for national development.
Mr Shehu Shinkafi, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, who made this known at the opening ceremony and election of the 7th National Children’s Parliament in Abuja on Monday, emphasised that children had the rights to be heard in matters that concern them
Represented by Mr Idris Mohammed, the Director, Planning and Research in the ministry, Shinkafi emphasised that children have rights to be heard in matters that concern them.
He said the parliament would provide a platform for children representatives from the 36 states of the federation to interact with government to address challenges facing Nigerian children.
He added that “participatory activities in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child go beyond children listening and expressing their views.
“It includes the right to expression, access to information, the ability to disseminate information and acquisition of knowledge with the assistance of an adult.
“It is due to this aim that we have gathered to give you our support to elect your leaders.”
Mr Ali Madugu, the Director, Child Development Department, gave the assurance that the election would be fair and transparent as representatives of relevant electoral agencies were present to monitor and assess the process.
“All the stakeholders are involved, representatives of Ministry of Justice, Judicia Council, National Assembly, all the arms of government, and the children are more conscious of their rights.
“They have started mobilising themselves and deliberations are on-going among them, if there is going to be any foul play, the children will speak out.”
Mr Ammanuel Amao, the Director, Advocacy and Campaign, Save the Children International Nigeria, commended the ministry for reviewing the Constitution of the Nigeria Children’s Parliament.
Amao said reviewing the constitution has brought more visibility and guidelines in its activities to speak for the rights of Nigerian Children.
Results of the election will be announced on Tuesday, with official inauguration of the members of the 7th National Children’s Parliament.
