Enugu Children hail Ugwuanyi over Passage of Child Rights Bill into law

It was an exciting experience and a major breakthrough for children of Enugu State, as the State House of Assembly finally passed the long awaited Child Rights and Responsibility Bill into law.

The Bill, which would protect and care for the well-being of the children of Enugu State, taking into account the rights and duties of the parents, legal guardians and other bodies legally responsible for the child, was presented by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s Administration as an Executive Bill and sponsored by the leader of the House, Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu.

The Executive Bill was sequel to a passionate appeal to the governor by the children of the state under the auspices of “The Enugu State Children’s Parliament” for the passage of the Child Rights Bill into law in the State by the state legislature.

 While announcing the passage of the Bill, the Speaker of the House, Chief Edward Uchenna Ubosi, thanked Governor Ugwuanyi for his passion and bold initiative. Reacting to the development, the Speaker of Enugu State Children’s Parliament, Miss Winifred Madubuko, described the passage of the Bill as a positive development and a dream come through, saying that “the struggle that had started in Enugu for a very long time ago has come to an end.” According to her:

“On behalf of the children of Enugu State, we say a very big thank you to His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for keeping to his promise. Earlier, the Joint Committee Chairman, Hon. Mrs. Omeje-Ogbu, representing Nsukka West Constituency, while presenting the report said that the Joint Committee conducted a three day Public hearing on the bill in which about 8000 people attended.

 She explained that the Joint Committee recommended several amendments, which were considered in the overall interest of the children.