Senate President Ahmad Lawan has described children as an important segment of society who deserve special attention, protection and care.

In a statement by Ola Awoniyi, his media aide, Mr Lawan urged the government at all levels to combat the menace of out-of-school children.

The Senate president said meeting the needs and promoting the rights of children were essential duties of family, community and government.

“However, the menace of out-of-school children in the country is disturbing and should continue to be frontally addressed by all levels of government,” Mr Lawan said.

He congratulated children on the day’s celebration, while urging parents and the government to treat their rights with utmost seriousness.

“It is heartwarming that 34 of the 36 states in our country have so far domesticated the Child Rights Act, 2003 which is an essential piece of legislation that tackles such issues as child labour, child abuse, forced marriage and the likes,” said Mr Lawan.

He said the National Assembly would continue to provide legislative intervention for the protection of the rights of Nigerian children. 

(NAN)