Coalition wants child protection bill signed into law in Sokoto

A coalition of civil societies has asked the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, to sign the ‘Child Protection Bill’ into law.

The civil societies said the passage of the bill by the State House of Assembly was a “remarkable step in the right direction.”

In a statement by Executive Director, YouthHubAfrica, Rotimi Olawale on Saturday in Abuja, the CSOs said the domestication of the child protection bill in Sokoto State will safeguard the rights and privileges of every Nigerian child, ensure parents and guardians fulfil their obligation to protect the child, prioritise access to education, especially for the girl-child amongst several other demands.

The statement reads: “Following continuous and relentless advocacy efforts by YouthHubAfrica, Civil Society Organisations and concerned citizens, the passage of the ‘Child Rights Bill’ whose nomenclature was changed to the ‘Child Protection Bill’ by the State House of Assembly, is a requisite and laudable step towards the domestication of the Child Rights Act, adopted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2003.

“The domestication of the Child Protection Bill in Sokoto State will safeguard the rights and privileges of every Nigerian child, ensure parents and guardians fulfil their obligation to protect the child, prioritise access to education, especially for the girl-child amongst several other demands.

“YouthHubAfrica is delighted to have worked with partners, Civil Society Organisations, Non-state actors, Stakeholders, and concerned citizens in the last 4 years to advocate for the passage of the Child Rights Act into law in Sokoto State. We further urge His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Sokoto state – Rt. Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to sign this bill into law speedily, to safeguard the future of every child in Sokoto State.”