The Senate President, Bukola Saraki has advocated for the safety of Nigerian children saying that no child should be allowed go to bed hungry consider the important place they occupy in the heart of the nation.
In a message of felicitation in commemoration of this year’s Children’s Day, Mr Saraki said that the Day presents the country an opportunity to celebrate the young ones.
The Senate president, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said due attention must be paid to children’s health which he said is part of the vision to make the country stronger.
“It is a day to recommit ourselves to doing all in our power to ensure that children are protected and empowered to aspire to be great in life, and to remove all impediments in their way.
“Children are the leaders of tomorrow, our hope for the future. We must, therefore, ensure their health and well-being through the laws we make and the policies we set,” he said.
He further explained that the one per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund included in the 2018 Budget, will ultimately makes for healthier Nigerian children, through a massive boost in increased funding for the sector.
While stating that the safety of the Nigerian child is non-negotiable, he called for the release of all Nigerian children in captivity.
“We remember Leah Sharibu and the other Dapchi Girls – as well as those Chibok Girls still in captivity, on this symbolic day. We affirm their right to freedom, to live carefree with their loved ones, to go to school, and for their dreams to remain intact.”
Miss Sharibu was among the over 100 female students kidnapped by the Boko Haram from their secondary school in Dapchi, Yobe State. She was not released by the terrorists, when others were, allegedly because she refused to denounce her Christian faith.
“We urge all relevant authorities not to relent in the efforts to see that Leah Sharibu and all who are held captive are returned safe and unharmed. We must intensify efforts for the release of our Children, even as we felicitate with the families of all who have been released,” the senate president said.
He noted that the issues of violence against children, child molestation, child labour and other evils committed against children “remain a grave concern” and pledged to always work for a Safe and Nourishing environment for Nigerian children to grow and prosper.
