A 16-year-old Senior Secondary School Two science student of Ilimi School, Ramlat Kasimu Ahmed, has been inaugurated as the Speaker of the Gombe State Children’s Parliament.
Ahmed was sworn in on Monday alongside 14-year-old Christopher Ngale, who emerged as Deputy Speaker, and 10 other principal officers who will steer the affairs of the seventh assembly of the Children’s Parliament in the state.
The inauguration, held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, was witnessed by government officials, legislative officers, and child rights advocates.
While inaugurating the new assembly, Principal Legislative Officer at the Gombe State House of Assembly, Aminu Aliyu, charged the young lawmakers to prioritise the protection of children’s rights.
“You are to see yourselves as ambassadors of other children; you must carry yourselves in a manner that reflects the responsibilities of your offices,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Modi Shelpidi, said the inauguration marked a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to promote child welfare.
“Since 2022, the state has not had a functioning Children’s Parliament. This assembly will go a long way in advancing not only children’s rights but also broader issues concerning women,” Shelpidi noted.
Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Gabriel Galadima, pledged the Assembly’s full support for the initiative.
“We are committed to teaching the children the rudiments of lawmaking. They should feel free to seek guidance from us whenever necessary,” Galadima said.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Asma’u Iganus, commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of children in the state.
She described the inauguration as a historic and auspicious occasion aimed at empowering young people to understand legislative processes and participate in decisions that affect their lives.
“The Governor’s assent to the Child Protection Law and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law is a clear demonstration of his passion and fatherly concern for children in the state,” the commissioner said.
Iganus urged the young parliamentarians to use their platform to advocate for the rights and interests of children within and beyond Gombe State. She also called on all stakeholders to provide an enabling and secure environment for children, free from intimidation and harassment.
In a related development, officials of the Ministry, led by the Commissioner, visited several orphanages across the state as part of activities to commemorate the upcoming Children’s Day on May 27. Relief items were distributed at Al-Guh Orphanage, Da’awah Orphanage, Gombe House of Hope, and Destiny Kids Orphanage.
