As Lagos joined other States in the country to celebrate this year’s Children’s Day, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has called on parents, guardians and members of the public to dedicate themselves to the safety of children by protecting them from domestic accidents and every form of injurious act capable of standing against their development.
Ambode, who spoke during the year 2018 Children’s Day celebration held at Agege Stadium, noted that it was very imperative for all parents, adults, community leaders, teachers and other relevant stakeholders involved in children upbringing to take mentoring seriously and provide good leadership that kids would emulate to guarantee a better future for the country.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Oluranti Adebule said the safety of children should not be considered as the sole responsibility of their parents and teachers, rather it should be the collective responsibility of the entire community, adding that their future achievements would impact the society, hence the need to groom them to become responsible citizens.
While describing the theme for the year 2018 celebration: “Creating Safe Spaces for Children: Our Collective Responsibility” as apt and very instructive, the Governor noted that it speaks to the need to re-examine the role we play as parents, teachers and guardians in the development and growth of children and task ourselves to inculcate in them good value systems to make them dependable future leaders of the country.
He noted that the theme was a clarion call for everyone to be dedicated to the safety of children and ensure their protection against any harm at all times.“We owe it a responsibility to protect them from domestic accidents and every form of injurious acts by ensuring that all safety standards and regulations are adhered to,” he emphasised.According to Ambode, his administration has taken steps to stem the incursion of hoodlums into schools and reduce incidents of kidnapping by providing security infrastructure such as watchtowers, security alarm system, floodlights as well as construction and enhancement of perimeter fencing to prevent strange movement around school premises.
“In addition to the provision of security infrastructure in our schools, we have also deployed security operatives to keep our schools safe” he stated.
He said the Child Protection Law was put in place by the State government to improve child welfare, promote and celebrate children’s rights to enhance unity and promote love among all children.
While assuring Nigerian children that the future holds a better place for them, Governor Ambode encouraged them to always believe in themselves while always striving to become the best in their chosen career.
The Governor promised that his administration would continue to initiate policies and programmes that would promote their growth and development.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Adebunmi Adekanye stated that the annual Children’s Day celebration was in line with the Universal Declaration on the celebration of children and protection of their rights so as to help them realise their potentials in life.Adekanye said that the State government has continually initiated policies and programmes geared towards child development, pointing out that Lagos State was the first to domesticate the Child Rights Law in the country and had embarked on several advocacy programmes to bring ethical rebirth to schools.
Comments
Post a Comment