Laws made to protect children, norms and local languages are the key factors that will guarantee the sustainability and development of the African child, stakeholders have said.
They spoke at a public forum to mark the International Day of the African Child in Cross River State.
The day, marked every June 15, was rescheduled due to the weekend and two-day public holidays, as stakeholders including the Cross River State Government, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Save The Children International, held an interface and discussion session.
They also canvassed for qualitative education, value addition to African heritage as game changers for African children: Speaking in Calabar on the development, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon Edema Irom, warned that, “The future of Cross River, Nigeria and African children is now and the future is the children because no other future is known to us.”
Also lending his voice, a member representing Yala 2 in the Cross River House of Assembly, Martins Achandu, said, “There is need for enforcement of relevant laws while ensuring that they are implemented fully as this would encourage children and add value to African heritage particularly language.”
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Also, a Member representing Akpabuyo and chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon Bassey Bassey, assured of more legislations to protect children’s rights including the introduction of local languages into the educational curriculum and the broadcast stations in the state.
On his part, Deputy Speaker, Children Parliament, Osika Kaghini-Nse Etim, maintained that to curb threats to qualitative education, there must be improved appropriations including critical assessment of the executive, legislature and judiciary, as well as strengthened infrastructure, administration and funding.
Field Operations Manager of Save The Children International, Oluseyi Abejide, represented by Regina John, believes that every child should have the opportunity to learn, be protected and survive.