The Paediatric Association of Nigeria on Tuesday emphasised the need for the implementation of the Child Rights Act of 2003, highlighting the importance of adequate feeding, education, and social protection for Nigerian children.
According to Professor Ekanem Ekure, President of PAN, “The Paediatric Association of Nigeria is passionate about ensuring the implementation of the Child Rights Act of 2003 across all the states of the Nigerian nation.”
Elkure made this call in Gombe State at the 56th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the association.
Our correspondent reports that the AGM has the 2025 theme; ‘Intersectoral collaboration in advancing child health and development’ organised with support from International Paediatric Association.
Professor Ekure noted that adhering to the provisions of the Act would ensure adequate feeding, education, and social protection of the average child in Nigeria, adding that “Parents must be enlightened about the rights of the child to good nutrition, good healthcare, and basic education in the minimum.”
The Professor of Paediatrics and Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist noted that despite primary education being free and compulsory, only 67 per cent of young children are enrolled in schools. “It is important to note that one out of every five children who are out-of-school in the world is in Nigeria. Unfortunately, girls are worse affected, just as the global child bride populations are concentrated in Africa,” she added.
The PAN president emphasised the need for the government to ensure safety and adequate protection of children in the community. “The government must also ensure safety and adequate protection of the child in the community,” Ekure added.
