Child rights protection remains a critical issue in Nigeria, and Nasarawa State is no exception. To address the gaps in implementation and enforcement, the Centre for Women, Youth & Community Action (NACWYCA) convened a One-Day Round-Table on February 25, 2025. The event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and media representatives, to assess progress, challenges, and strategies for improving child protection in the state.
Key Highlights from the Round-Table
The discussions featured insightful contributions from prominent figures in child rights advocacy:
🔹 Dr. Nawani Aboki, Executive Director of NACWYCA, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to child protection and set the tone for the discussions. He raised critical questions about access to education, the functionality of juvenile homes, and the need for urgent reforms in child rights enforcement.
🔹 Barrister Adole B. Bello, State Chief Counsel, Ministry of Justice, emphasized the Ministry’s legal interventions, including prosecuting child-related offenses, drafting policies, and establishing Family Courts to handle cases involving minors.
🔹 Mr. Khalid Ogu, representative of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, highlighted efforts in securing budgetary allocations for child protection programs and advocating for a Children’s Correctional Centre to rehabilitate vulnerable children.
🔹 Mr. Augustine Akwe, State Coordinator, National Orientation Agency (NOA), pledged NOA’s continued commitment to public sensitization on child rights across Nasarawa State.
🔹 Mr. Ikueme Donald, Director of Programs, Precious FM Lafia, stressed the media’s vital role in advocacy and called for stronger collaboration between government agencies and media platforms to amplify awareness on child rights.
Other key stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerian Security & Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), National Council of Women Society (NCWS), Ministry of Education, and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), also made commitments toward advancing child protection efforts in the state.
Resolutions & Call to Action
At the conclusion of the round-table, stakeholders committed to:
✔ Strengthening collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and the media to enhance child rights protection.
✔ Advocating for increased funding and budgetary allocations for child protection initiatives.
✔ Ensuring the full operationalization of Family Courts and Children’s Homes to provide proper care and justice for vulnerable children.
✔ Raising public awareness on parental responsibilities and the enforcement of child rights laws.
The event underscored the importance of a multi-sectoral approach in ensuring that every child in Nasarawa State enjoys their fundamental rights to protection, education, and well-being.
Join the Conversation!
The fight for child rights protection requires collective action. We appreciate all participants for their valuable contributions and reaffirm our commitment to advocating for a safer future for every child in Nasarawa State. Let’s work together to uphold the Child Rights Law and ensure a brighter future for the next generation.