Sunday July 27, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
The Akwa Ibom State government and the African Union, AU, have pledged partnership towards the protection of the child’s rights and well in enhanced welfare scheme.
They stated the commitment in Uyo when a delegation from the African Union Committee of Expert on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, ACERWC, visited Governor Umo Eno.
Receiving the delegation, Akon Eyakenyi, deputy governor, Akwa Ibom State, who stood in for Governor Umo Eno, said the state government has remained passionate about the well-being of children and youth including their rights
Governor Eno said that proper education, healthcare facilities and youth empowerment initiatives such as the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre in Ikot Ada Idem, where youths are trained on different skills and are also empowered with starter kits have been provided in the state.
“Our concern is to ensure that every Akwa Ibom child gets proper education and healthcare.
“To ensure that the Akwa Ibom youths are not used in the wrong way, we engage them very positively and effectively in training, because they are the future leaders.
“We have a special skills acquisition centre, where they are trained and at the end of the day, they are empowered with starter kits to enable them start their own livelihood and earn a living, instead of going round to beg or getting involved in vices, and they also become employers of labour,” she said.
According to him, the Child Rights Law, which has been in existence since 2008, has been a veritable framework for the protection of the child, adding that no parent, caregiver or guardian has been allowed to maltreat a child.
He also listed the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020, as well as the Widowhood Practices Law meant to help in defending any maltreated widow.
Speaking earlier, Robert Nanima, head of delegation and ACERWC Country Rapporteur, said that the visit was to foster partnership with the state government, promote and protect children’s rights.
While acknowledging the warm reception and hospitality accorded his delegation, Nanima said that they were in Akwa Ibom to work together for the protection of children.
He lauded Governor Umo Eno for his investments in healthcare, education, scholarships and the strides being done in other sectors, saying it shows exemplary leadership.
The event, which featured presentation of mementos to the Governor, had in attendance officials from the Federal Government and the Akwa Ibom State Government, including; Effiong Essien, head of Civil Service; Aniefiok Johnson, executive assistant/delivery advisor to the governor; Commissioners of Information, among others.
