From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja
A delegation of female pupils of secondary schools across the three senatorial districts of Enugu State has hailed Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his administration’s commitment to the wellbeing of the state’s children, especially the girl-child.
The pupils spoke when the governor’s wife’s pet project, Ugo’s Touch of Life Foundation (U-TOLF), led them on a visit to the governor at the Government House i Enugu.
The occasion was the commemoration of International Day of the Girl-Child 2020 on October 11.
The pupils expressed appreciation to the governor “for your concern for the welfare of children and women”.
They noted that “this is evident through the signing of the Child Rights and Responsibility Act into law and further domestication of the law in the state through establishment of family courts and a rehabilitation home for vulnerable women”.
The pupils said the law had ensured the protection of children from all forms of violence and abuse, adding that “children in Enugu State are empowered to seek justice when their rights are infringed upon. For this, we are immensely grateful”.
They lauded the governor’s swift responses to the plight of the oppressed and destitute and expressed gratitude to him for his fatherly and timely intervention in the case of the 10-year-old girl, Nneoma Nnadi, who was physically abused by her guardians.
“Not only did you (the governor) direct that she be given the best medical attention by taking charge of her hospital bills, you also offered full scholarship for the child up to university level, provided funds for welfare of the widowed mother and her family and equally directed that the Ministry of Justice works to ensure that the perpetrators of the violence are brought to book.
“This demonstrates your zero tolerance for gender-based violence, abuse and violation of the rights of a child, support for education and empowerment of women. On behalf of the child and every child in the state, we say thank you,” they said.
The youngsters praised Ugwuanyi for creating recreation centres.
They said: “Your Excellency, last year, on the event of the Day of the African Child, we requested that new recreation centres be created in the state and the revitalisation of the existing tourist and recreation sites.”
“Today, we are excited to witness the manifestation of these requests, tourist sites and recreational centres are springing up in different corners of the state.
“Noticeably in the centre of the metropolis is the Unity Park, beautiful to behold, modern yet retaining its natural features. We are confident that this development will be highly beneficial to Enugu residents, both young and old, and also attract more tourists into the state. Thank you for hearkening to our call.”
The pupils also congratulated the governor on his administration’s massive strides in the education sector, especially in primary and secondary schools across the three senatorial districts through the Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB).
They noted that “over 100 schools can boast having equipped new classroom blocks and offices. We currently enjoy improved learning environment”.
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