The Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu said that Abia has signed into law the Child Rights Act and that it is committed to the provision of equal opportunity for all Abia children irrespective of family status.
The Governor who made the statement during this year’s May 27th Children’s Day tagged “Abia Children Pray for Peace and Security” organised by the wife of the Governor, Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu, said that the signing into Law of the Child’s Right Act makes street hawking and child labour an offence in the State.
He also informed that the State is interested in the welfare and mainstreaming the rights of the girl child, stating that, “this government will continue to rise against any individual or persons that indulge in abusing young children especially female children. We will deploy every strength and effort within us to ensure that we bring to book all those who make it a habit to abuse our children”.
He used the opportunity to inform the students and pupils that Basic Education in Abia State is free while the scholarship scheme for students of tertiary education in the State has been revived and encouraged students in the State to feel free to contact the Scholarship Board with evidence of their inability to support themselves in high school.
The Governor stressed the need for students to acquire skills alongside formal education stating that every child should be interested in at least, one skill regretting the fact that today, students can no longer boast of basic skills. He urged them to follow his footsteps of acquiring skill of shoe making despite being a PhD holder and a Governor.
He prayed for the safety and protection of the children and provision for their wellbeing while wishing them a Happy Children’s Day celebration.
Wife of the Governor, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu, wife of the Deputy Governor, Lady Vivian Oko Chukwu and others witnessed the event.
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