The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has cautioned against all forms of child abuse and exploitation, stressing the need to uphold the rights and dignity of every Nigerian child.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Babajide Agbeyo, to commemorate this year’s Children’s Day celebration, the Speaker described the occasion as a significant reminder of the nation’s future and the need to invest meaningfully in its younger generation.
He said: “These children need adequate care and protection. Society must understand that child rights are human rights, and this must be universally respected.”
Aribasoye further said that: “It is remarkable that in Ekiti State, relevant laws have been passed to ensure the protection of children and establish their rights, including the right to education.”
He noted that both the legislative and executive arms of government in the state are working closely to secure the rights of children and ensure that every child of school age is enrolled in school.
“We’ve seriously reduced the number of out-of-school children in Ekiti State to a very minimal percentage. The current administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji is committed to further ensuring that no child of school age, including the physically challenged, is denied the right to education,” the Speaker stated.
He also assured that the 7th Assembly under his leadership will continue to enact and support policies that protect children across the state.
Aribasoye urged parents, guardians, and stakeholders to play their part in helping children fulfil their goals, talents, and destinies.
Children’s Day, marked every May 27, is celebrated to promote awareness about child rights and welfare, and is globally recognised as a day of action for children by UNICEF.