PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated the commitment of government to protect children from sexual violence, domestic abuse and exploitation.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Femi Adesina, the President made the declaration on Tuesday as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to celebrate the Day of the African Child.
This year’s commemorative activities with the theme, “Access to a Child-Friendly Justice System in Africa” took place online due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The President while eulogizing children enjoins all Nigerians to take a moment this day to celebrate the African child, who represents a better future for all of us and assured his government will continue to place premium value on welfare of children.
”Nigeria is blessed with exceptional and remarkable children and this government is ever ready to help the Nigerian child achieve their dreams and build a better tomorrow,’’ Buhari stated.
The President emphasized that it is the right of every Nigerian child to be protected from sexual or physical violence and abuse, and to enjoy an environment conducive for learning and development.
He therefore reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality and affordable education by promoting free and compulsory basic education for the first nine years of schooling.
On the recent spate of sexual and physical violence on the girl-child, the President said it is the height of inhumanity to mankind and directs relevant government agencies to scale up support for victims of violence and ensure that those who have infringed on their rights face the full weight of our laws.
President Buhari further affirms that the safety of every Nigerian child remains paramount and government will continue to do all within its means to protect children from violence and abuse.
On the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education sector, the President notes that school-age children have been forced to continue education and learning online, as well as through the electronic media.
Recognizing that not all children have access to the tools and resources to do this, the President assures Nigerians that the priority of the Federal Government is to ensure that things get back to normal as soon as possible.
He assured that in dealing with the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic; the Federal Government cannot allow education and learning to suffer retrogression.