By Danhassan Abubakar
Children in Bauchi State have joined their counterparts globally to commemorate the 2024 World Children’s Day (WCD).
The Children used the occasion to advocate for a safe school environment, free medical and, transportation services and improved learning aids to enhance their educational pursuits.
Part of the activity marking the day was the presentation of request by the children themselves to the State First Lady, Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed in her office.
In their submissions, the children decry the persistent bullying and corporal punishments in schools that tends to make school environment hostile which leads to some of the students dropping out of school.
They further advocate for adequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities like toilets in schools to make school environment friendly.
Another major request put forward by the Children to the Bauchi State First Lady was the need to make available free transportation system for school children in the State among other requests.
Responding, Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed thanked the Children for the visit and assured them that her NGO, Almuhibbah Foundation has been on the vanguard in championing not only children education but also adult education too.
With regards to children request on safe school environment, the First Lady said that the State Action Committee of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) which she is chairing is working, in collaboration with PTAs and SBMCS towards addressing the issue of bullying in schools.
On the other requests of the Children, the First Lady said that she would do everything possible within her powers to table their concerns to right quarters.
Earlier in his remarks, the communication, advocacy and partnership officer of UNICEF Bauchi Field office Opeyemi Olagunju appreciated the First Lady for her numerous initiatives that is impacting positively in the lives of Women and Children in Bauchi State.
He said that the WCD is set aside globally to bring attention to the rights of the child and also affords the children the opportunity to sit with policy makers and other people of influence to table their needs.
Our Correspondent reports that, similar activity took place at the State House of Assembly, where the Speaker, Right Honourable Abubakar Y. Suleiman actually vocated his seat to allow the Children’s Speaker to present their requests to the house.