The Children’s Parliament in Katsina has called on the state government to domesticate the National Policy for Violence-Free Schools, Safety, and Security.
The children’s parliament, comprising 34 members, made the call on Monday, during its plenary at the Katsina State House of Assembly chamber.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the plenary was presided over by Fadila Sani, the Speaker of the children’s parliament.
The call followed a motion sponsored by Halimatu Idris, representing Malumfashi, calling on the government to domesticate the policy.
According to her, the domestication of the policy is crucial to ensuring that schools across the state become safe spaces for learning, free from violence, insecurity, and threats that endanger the lives of the children.
She emphasised the importance of creating safe and supportive learning environments for all children, stressing that without safety in schools, education and future development would remain at risk.
Idris further urged the executive arm of government to take immediate steps toward adapting the national framework into a workable state-level policy that prioritises the security and well-being of pupils and teachers.
According to her, violence in schools has significant negative impacts on children’s well-being and educational outcomes, hence the need for the domestication of the policy.
Similarly, Asiya Rabe, representing Maiadua, moved a motion calling on the executive to fast-track the implementation of the child protection, disability, and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition laws in the state.
She emphasised that these laws, once effectively enforced, would protect vulnerable groups, particularly children, women, and persons with disabilities.
Also during the plenary, Asiya Ridwan, representing Dutsi, presented a motion urging the state government to urgently intervene in the effects of climate change.
She called for the creation of an anticipatory action plan to mitigate the impacts of climate change in communities already affected.
After series of deliberations during the plenary, the children’s parliament adopted the motions and called on the state government to take necessary actions.
NAN reports that the parliament was supported by Save the Children International (SCI), through the Education Cannot Wait-funded project.
(NAN)
