The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, on Monday inaugurated the FCT At-Risk Children Programme (ARC-P) implementation committee.

Ms Mahoud explained during the event in Abuja, that the programme was designed to ensure improved well-being and protection of every child within the nation’s capital.

She said that the committee would be chaired by Hajia Adamu Kuku, with Simon Zamani, Hafsat Mahmud, and Kalu Ifeanyi, Chinyere Maduka, Solomon Abenu, and Hussain Makari as members.

Other members included Babayola Abdulrahaman, Rotimi Ojo, Elizabeth Aliu, and Suleiman Ndabagi.

She described the committee as a crucial step towards addressing the needs of identified vulnerable children and ensuring that they were not left behind.

She identified some of the focus areas to include providing the children with access to essential services, protection from harm, and opportunities for education and social development.

“Our children are the future of our nation, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the care, protection and the support they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

“Unfortunately, there are many children in the FCT who are at risk due to various factors such as poverty, abuse, neglect, and lack of access to education and healthcare.” she said.

The minister particularly asked members of the committee to identify the most pressing needs of at-risk children in the FCT and to develop effective solutions to address them.

According to her, the outcome of the committee can make a real and lasting difference in the lives of the children and help them build a better future for themselves and for the nation.

She stated, “The committee is expected to liaise with FCT area councils and other stakeholders to ensure that children are not at risk in FCT. The committee will also come up with workable partnerships with corporate organisations to buy into the initiative for effective implementation.

“Conduct a baseline survey to ascertain the number of at-risk children in FCT and a mechanism for enrolment and work out a sustainability plan that will gradually make the programme self-funding.”

Other terms of reference, she said, include research on the best way possible to reduce the influx of children at risk in the FCT and provide strategic direction and guidance for the ARC-P.

She added that the committee would also monitor and evaluate programme progress toward achieving its goals,

“The committee is also expected to conduct community engagements to secure the buy-in of stakeholders particularly, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and faith-based organisations,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the committee members, Kuku said that the ARC-P initiative would protect the children’s future by addressing the various risks they encounter.

He added that the programme would also ensure a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for every child in the territory.

He assured the minister that the committee would be comprehensive, effective, and multi-dimensional in guaranteeing that no child fell behind, leveraging the strengths of the technical diversity in the committee.

“We will work hand-in-hand with local government area councils who are the closest administrative bodies to the communities, and their close knowledge of local challenges and dynamics is invaluable,” he said.

(NAN)