The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has called for collective action to protect children’s rights. In her message marking the 2024 Children’s Day in Lokoja, she emphasized the importance of ensuring every child thrives in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. This year’s celebration theme is “For every child, every right.”
“It is a day to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights of children and providing them with the best possible start in life,” stated Hajia Ododo.
The First Lady expressed the state government’s dedication to tackling challenges affecting children in Kogi State noting that “We are committed to addressing the issue of out-of-school children by collaborating with critical stakeholders to fully implement our free education policy. The government is also taking steps towards the implementation of the Child Rights Act of 2009, signed into law by the previous administration.”
She highlighted that this Act has raised awareness of children’s rights, leading to initiatives aimed at promoting access to quality education, addressing child labor, and challenging traditional gender stereotypes.
Hajia Ododo assured that the current administration of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo is dedicated to sustaining free education in public schools. This commitment is evident in the payment of WAEC and JAMB examination fees and the provision of free healthcare coverage for indigent households.
She disclosed that her office is embarking on a state-wide medical outreach to benefit vulnerable children and women across the 21 LGAs.
As part of the Children’s Day celebrations, Hajia Ododo announced that her office would reward the winners of the Spelling Bee competition organized for students from selected schools.
She therefore called on all stakeholders to support initiatives that promote child protection, end hunger, and curb child labor and trafficking in the country.
