Ilorin, Kwara State, In a significant step towards prioritizing the well-being of children, the Kwara state government has set up a Child Rights Implementation Committee for the effective implementation of child’s rights laws in the state.
The Child Rights Implementation Committee (CRIC) was inaugurated on December 19, 2023, at the Princess and Luxury Hotel in Ilorin by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Hajia Sa’adat Modibbo Kawu, with support from UNICEF Nigeria. The event witnessed the swearing-in of dedicated advocates and civil society actors who pledged to promote, protect, and respect the rights of children
Several high-ranking state government officials attended the ceremony, including the Commissioner for Women Affairs, the Commissioner for Justice, and the Commissioner for Social Development, as well as traditional rulers, community leaders, and Dr. Wilfred Mamah, a Child Protection Specialist representing UNICEF, among others
Some of the committee members expressed joy and optimism that the CRIC will reduce the high incidence of child rights abuse and violations in Kwara State. “I am honored to be part of this committee to protect the rights of children, and I believe this committee will deliver on its mandate of safeguarding the well-being of the youngest members of our society,” expressed one of the committee members.
Another committee member also took to his social media page to express his joy: “Earlier today, I joined other child rights advocates as we took an oath to promote, protect, and respect the rights of children at the inauguration of the Kwara State Child Rights Implementation Committee (CRIC), which took place at the Princess and Luxury Hotel, Ilorin. The CRIC is to see to the implementation of the child rights law in the state and to ensure the best interest of the child is upheld in all circumstances.”
This committee marks a significant stride in ensuring the protection and advancement of children’s rights in Kwara State, setting the stage for collaborative efforts to create a safe and nurturing environment for future generations.