Lagos Children’s parliament aim to inculcate leadership values

Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Lagos State Deputy Governor

Lagos Children’s parliament aim to inculcate leadership values
Abdul Semiu Babalola, Lagos

The Lagos State Government, in south west Nigeria said it established the Children’s Parliament in order to inculcate leadership roles and responsibilities in the children with a view to preparing them for future challenges.

The state’s Deputy Governor, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire stated this when the outgoing members of the Parliament, led by the Speaker, Emmanuel Awobona paid her a courtesy visit at Alausa, Ikeja, the state’s secretariat.

An avenue to discuss members’ wellbeing

A statement credited to the deputy governor stated that rather than continuing to preach the message of values and responsible leadership, the state government has decided to replicate the system of governance by creating a children’s parliament, where issues affecting their wellbeing and development can be discussed by their representatives.

“We are proud of you and your contributions to our programmes for you and your colleagues. We remain conscious of the well-being of our children, because we believe you are the leaders of our state and nation in the near future; hence, we will continue to improve on our policies and programmes designed for your development and assisting you to attain your full potentials”, Adefulire stated.

Committed to children’s welfare

The Deputy Governor said that Lagos, being one of the first states to implement the children’s parliament in the country, has demonstrated its commitment to children’s welfare and development.

She added that the passage of Child Rights Law and the establishment of a 176 bed-transit homes for victims of domestic violence were some of the ways the government has provided protection for the children against all forms of abuse.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Speaker of the Lagos State Children’s Parliament, Emmanuel Awobona, thanked the Deputy Governor for her passion and commitment towards the welfare of the children in the state.

He said the initiative has motivated them to be focused and pursue their dreams of becoming responsible leaders in the future.

Shakira