President Buhari restates commitment to protect children

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has reiterated his regime’s commitment to protect children from sexual violence, domestic abuse and exploitation.

According to a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President gave the assurance as Nigeria joined the international community to celebrate the Day of the African Child.

Adesina further quoted Buhari as reiterating that his regime would continue to ensure that every Nigerian child had access to quality and affordable education by promoting free and compulsory basic education for the first nine years of schooling.

The statement read, “The President affirms that it is the right of every Nigerian child to be protected from sexual or physical violence and abuse, and to enjoy an environment conducive for learning and development.

“President Buhari further affirms that the safety of every Nigerian child remains paramount and government will continue to do all within its means to protect children from violence and abuse.

“The President recognises that this year’s commemorative activities with the theme, ‘Access to a Child-Friendly Justice System in Africa,’ have moved online due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“On the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education sector, the President notes that school-age children have been forced to continue education and learning online, as well as through the electronic media.

“Recognising that not all children have access to the tools and resources to do this, the President assures Nigerians that the priority of the Federal Government is to ensure that things get back to normal as soon as possible.”

Buhari also encouraged all Nigerians to take a moment to celebrate the African child, who he said represented a better future for all.