*Anambra Assemble calls for enforcement, strict restriction of children hawking during school hours*
By Chizoba Okeke/Anastasia Agunwa/ Gloria Abugu
Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare and other relevant MDA's to enforce strict restrictions of children hawking during school hours.
Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke who sponsored the motion, in his submission said section 18(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended stipulates that government shall strive to eradicate illiteracy by providing free, compulsory and universal primary, secondary and university education for citizens as and when practicable.
Hon. Okpalaeke who is the member representing Aguata 1 constituency said that on September 21, 2023, Governor Chukwma Soludo announced the commencement of free education for all pupils and students from Nursery to Primary six (6) Classes and JSS 1 to JSS3 for schools owned/run by the State Government.
Hon. Okpalaeke who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Education said "a handful of parents/guardians are yet to leverage on this golden opportunity provided by the State Government to enroll their wards into school, as children of school age are still seen in significant numbers hawking petty goods along the streets and major markets in the state during school hours.
"Implementing measures such as prohibiting child hawking during school hours by the aforementioned ministry and agency will ensure that the number of out of school children in our state is reduced with the long term positive socio-economic impacts such as increased literacy level, eradication of poverty and other social vices in the State.
"We can't be talking of tomorrow, without considering today and the foundation we lay today will make a way for our children tomorrow".
Supporting the motion, Hon. Emmanuel Nwafor (Orumba South), Hon. Kingsley Udemezue (Idemili North) and Hon. Ejike Okechukwu (Aguata 2) all called for
strict restriction of children hawking during school hours.
"According to the 1999 constitution as amended, education is a right and not a privilege and the importance of Child education cannot be over emphasized because the greatness of every nation is in the hands of the youths.
"Education gives confidence, boldness, moulds a child. It should be free and composery and Its illegal for children to hawk during school hours," the lawmakers said.
The house adjurned sitting to Tuesday March 5, 2024.
*The writers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*
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