Today’s event has provided another opportunity for us to, not only celebrate our children, but also to reflect on the kind of society we are creating for them. As the future of this great country, it is our duty to ensure that Nigerian children are provided with all the necessary infrastructure and support they require to be able to hold their own anywhere they find themselves in the world; we must deliberately and consciously create the enabling environment for our children to fully express the excellence they carry. This is how to give meaning and effect to today’s event.
In line with the provision of Section 17(3)(f) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is important that our children are protected against all forms of exploitation and from moral and material neglect, whatsoever and howsoever. Children’s Day can only be meaningful to Uche in Oguta; Kabir in Jigawa; Wale in Ekiti; Ejiro in Warri; Amina in Funtua and Nanbut in Jos, when they all have access to free, compulsory, and universal basic education, with genuine social interventions in a safe and secured Nigeria, as enshrined in Section 18 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
It is therefore the responsibility of all Nigerians to ensure that our laws, policies, and actions reflect our commitment to the protection of the rights of the Nigerian child. No law should be enacted/passed, implemented or policies formulated without adequate attention being paid to how such laws, legislations or policies might affect our children.
The Nigerian Bar Association hereby restates its avowed commitment to continue to champion and uphold the cause of the Nigerian child. All our 128 Branches across the federation and the Pro Bono Centre at the National Secretariat, Abuja, are available to provide pro bono legal services to support any cause geared towards the protection of the Nigerian child and ensuring his/her welfare.
On behalf of the members of the NBA, I once again congratulate the Nigerian Children, and assure you of our partnership always. We are proud of you!!
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
God bless the Nigerian Child!
Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN
PRESIDENT
