The Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, has advocated collaborative efforts to end child labour and street begging in the state.

Mr Abdullahi expressed concern over the number of out-of-school children, child labour, street begging, hawking and other forms of violence against children.

This is contained in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Mr Jibrin Gwamna, and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Lafia, in commemoration of this year’s Children’s Day celebration.

The statement said that the speaker called for the provision of best education for the children to build a brighter future for them and gain a better society for all.

Mr Abdullahi, while describing children as special gifts from God, said there is a need for parents, guardians and the authorities concerned to ensure that the Nigerian child is given all the necessary support.

“Through love, education and moral training to build an egalitarian society,” he said.

He assured that the state legislature would continue to enact laws that would protect the rights of children as future leaders and build an egalitarian society.

The Nasarawa state number three citizen emphasised the need for collective responsibilities to tackle the menace in the society.

He also condemned violence against children, calling for all hands to be on deck to address the problem.

“If parents, guardians and other stakeholders as well as individuals and groups join hands with government in tackling child abuse, child labour and violence against children in the society, it will go a long way in promoting peace and societal development,” he added.

He described education as the best instrument to fight poverty, other societal vices and a lasting legacy to give a child, hence the need for parents to give topmost priority to the education of their children.

The speaker reiterated the state assembly’s commitment to continue to support any government, children policies and programmes as well as make laws that would protect the right of children and better their lots in society.

He advised parents and guardians to reflect on the significance of the day and do the needful for the benefit of all. 

(NAN)