16-year-old science student from Ilimi School, Ramlat Ahmed, has been sworn in as the Speaker of the Gombe State Children’s Parliament.
Alongside her, 14-year-old Christopher Ngale was inaugurated as Deputy Speaker, with ten other principal officers taking up leadership roles in the seventh assembly. The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development’s conference hall and was attended by government dignitaries, lawmakers, and child rights advocates.
During the inauguration, Aminu Aliyu, Principal Legislative Officer at the Gombe State House of Assembly, urged the young legislators to uphold the values of representation and advocacy for children’s rights. “You are to see yourselves as ambassadors of other children; you must carry yourselves in a manner that reflects the responsibilities of your offices,” he told the newly elected parliamentarians.
Modi Shelpidi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the importance of the occasion, noting that it signaled the return of a vital platform for youth engagement. “Since 2022, the state has not had a functioning Children’s Parliament. This assembly will go a long way in advancing not only children’s rights but also broader issues concerning women,” Shelpidi said.
Gabriel Galadima, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, affirmed the legislature’s readiness to support the children in their journey toward understanding governance. “We are committed to teaching the children the rudiments of lawmaking. They should feel free to seek guidance from us whenever necessary,” he stated.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Asma’u Iganus, praised Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for backing child-centered policies, particularly the signing of the Child Protection and VAPP Laws. “The Governor’s assent to the Child Protection Law and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law is a clear demonstration of his passion and fatherly concern for children in the state,” Iganus noted, calling the day a historic step in youth empowerment.
Iganus encouraged the parliamentarians to advocate for the rights of children across and beyond the state. She also urged stakeholders to ensure a secure, supportive environment for children, free from intimidation. In line with the Children’s Day celebration on May 27, ministry officials, led by the commissioner, also visited orphanages across the state to further highlight their commitment to child welfare.
Leave a comment