The Edo State Government has pledged to strengthen the capacity and welfare of the Edo State Children’s Parliament, promising prompt intervention on issues affecting its members and constituencies. This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Chief Bisi Idaomi, during an engagement with the Parliament held in Benin City.
Chief Idaomi reaffirmed the administration’s dedication, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, to advancing education and upholding children’s rights. She announced that a formal visit to the Edo State House of Assembly would be arranged within 30 days to help the young lawmakers better understand legislative processes and governance structures.
Emphasizing the need for institutional growth, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Joy Ihensekhien, called for regular training and orientation for the Children’s Parliament. She noted that such efforts would help align their activities with international standards and improve their operational efficiency.
Speaker of the Children’s Parliament, Hon. Omorogbe Jonathan, expressed gratitude for the meeting and used the opportunity to outline key challenges affecting the Parliament’s functionality. He stated that since its inauguration in August 2022, the Parliament had drifted from its founding vision, citing issues such as lack of platforms for expression, poor school infrastructure, inadequate staffing, and bullying as major concerns. He also appealed for government support in facilitating a visit to the Assembly to provide practical orientation.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Child Protection Network, Edo State Chapter, commended the state government for its renewed focus on children’s issues. They applauded the inclusive approach being taken to ensure development, welfare, and participatory governance for young people. The meeting had in attendance all 24 members of the Children’s Parliament, representing various constituencies across the state.
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