WE WILL CONTINUE TO PROTECT AKWA IBOM CHILDREN — GOV. UMO ENO
…Assures Continued Welfare of Youths
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, has said his administration will continue to protect children of the State and also continue to cater for the welfare of youths in the State.
The Governor said these on Tuesday, when he played host to delegates from the African Union Committee of Expert on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), at Government House, Uyo.
Represented by his Deputy, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, Pastor Umo Eno avered that his administration remains passionate about the well-being of children and youths, maintaining that relevant legal frameworks have been put in place to secure the rights and future of Akwa Ibom children.
Governor Eno emphasized that his love and concern for children and youths of the State is evident in the provision of proper education and health care and also youth empowerment initiatives such as the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre in Ikot Ada Idem, where youths are trained on different skills and are also empowered with starter kits.
“Our concern is to ensure that every Akwa Ibom child gets proper education and healthcare. To ensure that the Akwa Ibom youths are not used in the wrong way, we engage them very positively and effectively in training, because they are the future leaders. We have a special skills acquisition centre, where they are trained and at the end of the day, they are empowered with starter kits to enable them start their own livelihood and earn a living, instead of going round to beg or getting involved in vices, and they also become employers of labour”.
Governor Eno further stressed that because of the concerns for children, there has been laws to protect and ensure the rights of children such as the Child Rights Law, which has been in existence since 2008, adding that no parent, caregiver or guardian, is allowed to maltreat a child, and that there is a department set up to monitor compliance.
The State Chief Executive also said that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law which was put in place in 2020, as well as the Widowhood Practices Law which helps to defend any maltreated widow are also laws which are made to ensure that the rights of children and citizens are protected.
Governor Eno noted that his administration has constructed and equipped model primary schools across the State and also offers free and compulsory education, including uniforms, sandals, and books, to encourage children to go to school and be educated.
Pastor Umo Eno stressed that every Local Government Area is to own a model school and primary health centre, to ensure that children in the rural areas will have the same access to quality education and health care as their peers in the urban areas.
He maintained that his administration has a heart and conscience to ensure that the future generation of Akwa Ibom which are the youths and children, have a proper foundation and are properly protected.
Speaking earlier, the Head of Delegation and ACERWC Country Rapporteur, Hon. Robert Nanima, said the objective of the visit was to foster partnership with the state government, so as to promote and protect children’s rights.
While acknowledging the warm reception and hospitality accorded his delegation, Hon. Nanima said that they are in Akwa Ibom to work together for the protection of children.
He further commended Governor Umo Eno for his investments in healthcare, education, scholarships and the good works being done in other sectors, saying it shows exemplary leadership and excellence; he therefore urged other States in Africa to emulate.
The event which featured presentation of mementos to the Governor, had in attendance officials from the Federal Government and the Akwa Ibom State Government, including the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien; Executive Assistant/Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson; Commissioners of Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah; Justice, Uko Udom, SAN; Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs. Inibeghe Etukudo; Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga; Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh; Health, Dr. Ekem John, Permanent Secretaries, amongst others.