It was an exciting experience and a major breakthrough for children of Enugu State, as the State House of Assembly finally passed the long awaited Child Rights and Responsibility Bill into law.
The Bill, which would protect and care for the well-being of the child of Enugu State, taking into account the rights and duties of the child’s parents, legal guardians and other bodies legally responsible for the child, was presented by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s Administration as an Executive Bill and sponsored by the leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu.
The Executive Bill was sequel to a passionate appeal to the governor by the children of the state under the auspices of “The Enugu State Children’s Parliament” for the passage of the Child Rights Bill into law in the State by the state legislature.
After clause by clause consideration of the report presented on the Bill by the Joint Committee Chairman, Honourable Mrs. Nkechi Omeje-Ogbu, the House passed the Bill into law.
While announcing the passage of the Bill, the Speaker of the House, Chief Edward Uchenna Ubosi, thanked Governor Ugwuanyi for his passion and bold initiative to protect and preserve the rights and responsibilities of the children of the state.
He noted that the governor, through the state Ministry of Gender Affairs and Social Development, provided the legal framework and enabling environment for the passage of the Bill to give the children a sense of belonging as future leaders.
Reacting to the development, the Speaker of Enugu State Children’s Parliament, Miss Winifred Madubuko, described the passage of the Bill as a positive development and a dream come through, saying that “the struggle that had started in Enugu for a very long time ago has come to an end.”
According to her: “On behalf of the children of Enugu State, we say a very big thank you to His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for keeping to his promise to ensure that the Bill was passed. It shows that he is a child-friendly governor. We pray God to bless him more for this landmark feat for the children Enugu State.”
She equally thanked other organizations that saw to the passage of the Bill and urged them to collaborate with the government for its implementation.
In the same vein, a cross section of Enugu Children also hailed Gov. Ugwuanyi for the landmark achievement, saying that the governor has demonstrated his love and care for the children of the state who had clamored for the passage of the Bill for several years.
Miss Nkemdilichukwu Nnamani, who identified herself as a 12 years old student of Igbariam Primary School, Achara Layout, Enugu, while appreciating the governor for facilitating the passage of the Bill, said that it would guarantee the fundamental rights of the children of the state, in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federation Republic of Nigeria.
Another child, Nancy Udeh, equally commended the governor for his positive thinking towards the progress and future of the children of the state, adding that such gesture indicates that he is a listening and caring leader.
Earlier, the Joint Committee Chairman, Hon. Mrs. Omeje-Ogbu, representing Nsukka West Constituency, while presenting the report said that the Joint Committee conducted a three day Public hearing in which about 8000 people attended.
She explained that the Joint Committee recommended several amendments, which were considered in the overall interest of the children.
