The Ebonyi State Children’s Parliament has urged the government and relevant authorities to give greater attention to the welfare and social needs of children across the state.
The appeal was made on Monday by the Speaker of the Parliament, Miss Precious Ibiam, representing Ebonyi South, during the presentation of a communiqué to the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Elvis Ngene, in Abakaliki.
The communiqué, containing resolutions adopted during sittings held across the state’s three senatorial zones, addressed key concerns such as education, healthcare, child protection, abuse, and parenting.
The Parliament called for improved infrastructure in schools, enhanced teaching standards, and strengthened child safety and security measures. It also urged the state government to prioritise children’s healthcare and social welfare while taking decisive steps to eliminate child labour and all forms of abuse.
Ebonyi Children’s Parliament in a group photograph with the Judiciary.
Harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child trafficking, and child abuse were strongly condemned, with the Parliament stressing their damaging impact on children’s physical and mental development. The communiqué recommended stiff penalties for offenders and encouraged community involvement in safeguarding children.
The Children’s Parliament also advocated for legislation to prohibit child marriage, proposing strict sanctions for parents who force minors into such unions. It further highlighted the need for broader awareness on family planning and the dangers associated with early marriage.
“The Parliament urges the government to introduce policies that subsidise social services to reduce the burden of economic hardship, which often compels families to push their children into servitude,” the communiqué stated.
In response, Justice Ngene, represented by Justice Franklin Edem, assured the children of the judiciary’s commitment to upholding their rights and protecting their interests.
He commended the Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Centre (HRCRC) for facilitating the initiative and encouraged the young parliamentarians to continue demonstrating integrity in their advocacy.
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Mr George Etamason, Director of HRCRC, noted that the project was designed to reinvigorate the Children’s Parliament and foster its involvement in governance and policy discourse.
The HRCRC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, organised special parliamentary sittings in all three senatorial districts.
Speaking on behalf of the Civil Society Organisations Network, Mr Anele Okoroagha, representing State Coordinator Mr Oliver Ajachima, pledged to review the document and support the implementation of its recommendations.
Mrs Goodness Mbaja, Deputy Coordinator of the State Situation Room, praised the HRCRC for revitalising the Children’s Parliament, describing the project as a crucial step in amplifying children’s voices and integrating their perspectives into governance.
The communiqué was formally presented to the Office of the Chief Judge, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Gender-Based Violence Taskforce, the State House of Assembly, and the Network of Non-Governmental Organisations.
Signatories included Precious Ibiam, Goodness Nwafor, Winfred Nwankwegu, and three parliamentary clerks.
