By Uzairu Dauda:
Bauchi State has elected a new executive of the 4th Nigerian Children’s Parliament, with stakeholders urging the young parliamentarians to use their positions to advocate for issues affecting children’s education, health, protection, inclusion, and a safe environment for growth and development.
The charge was given by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Dr. Lydia Haruna Tsammani, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Hajiya Talatu Musa Gar, during the induction and orientation training for the newly elected officials held on Wednesday at the Development Exchange Centre (DEC), Bauchi.
Dr. Haruna Tsammani said the elected parliamentarians have a responsibility to represent the interests of all children, not only the most outspoken ones.
She urged them to be the voices of children living with disabilities, those in rural communities, girls, and other vulnerable children whose concerns are often overlooked.
Dr Tsammani said as parliamentarian, they are expected to be bold, respectful, and attentive to the views of others in their schools and communities.
Delivering a presentation on the overview of the Nigerian Children’s Parliament, Abubakar Muhammad Inti described the parliament as a representative body that operates in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
He said it provides a unique platform for children to engage with top government officials and national leaders on issues affecting their peers.
Muhammad Inti encouraged the newly elected members to always speak on behalf of other children whenever they interact with policymakers and leaders.
According to him, the Nigerian Children’s Parliament, established in 2000, was created to develop leadership skills, promote good governance and responsible citizenship among children, and provide a formal platform through which Nigerian children can participate in national discourse.
The newly inaugurated 4th Nigerian Children’s Parliament, Bauchi State Chapter, will be led by Rt. Honourable Speaker Hafsat Umar Muhammad.
In an interview with her, Hafsat Umar Muhammad pledged to serve as a worthy ambassador for the children of Bauchi State and to work diligently towards achieving the objectives and goals of the Nigerian Children’s Parliament.
