The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and students have called on the Kano State House of Assembly to prioritize policies that protect children’s rights.
The call was made during a special event held at the Assembly in commemoration of World Children’s Day, where students from various schools symbolically took over the legislative chamber to demonstrate how plenary sessions are conducted.
The students used the platform to advocate for more robust laws addressing issues like education and health.
One of the participating students, Ahmad Yusuf Fari, a 15-year-old from Brilliant Academy, called for increased legislative attention to issues affecting children.
“We hope the House will continue to pass laws that protect and promote the rights of children. We are ready to contribute as future leaders,” he said.
He thanked UNICEF and the House on behalf of the entire students for the opportunity.
UNICEF’s Communication Specialist, Mr. Samuel Kaalu, commended the initiative and stressed the importance of listening to children’s voices.
“The theme of this year’s World Children’s Day, ‘Listen to the Future,’ reminds us to prioritize children in our decision-making processes. Passing more child-friendly laws is a step toward achieving that,” Kaalu said.
The Speaker of the House, Alhaji Jibril Ismail Falgore, represented by the Deputy Clerk, Alhaji Nasiru Magaji, assured the children that the Assembly is committed to their welfare.
“As lawmakers, we are working to ensure that child-friendly policies are not just discussed but implemented. Many such laws have already been passed, and more are in the pipeline,” he said.
Prime Time News gathered that the takeover allowed them to understand the legislative process and how policies are enacted.