The Kano State House of Assembly has passed the Kano State Child Protection Bill during a session held on Wednesday. The bill was passed after a thorough deliberation by the committee of the whole house during the plenary, which was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Kabiru Dashi (APC-Kiru) in Kano.
In a statement by the Deputy Majority Leader, Dahiru Zarewa (APC-Rogo), the lawmakers’ commitment to child growth and development prompted the passage of the bill that had undergone various legislative processes. The bill’s approval was done unanimously through the Clerk, Garba Gezawa.
The Child Protection Bill will improve education and look into the activities of orphanage centres and the issue of child abuse when it is signed into law. The assembly also commended development partners for their support in ensuring the successful passage of the bill.
In a similar development, the assembly also passed the Kano State Roads Fund Bill, 2023. During a press briefing, the Deputy Speaker explained that the bill would support the State Rural Access Roads Agency (KARARA) and play a vital role in sourcing funds for the construction of rural access roads. He added that the agency would help to facilitate and improve the socio-economic well-being of the people, especially the rural populace engaged in agricultural activities.
In response to the passage of the bill, representatives of Girls’ Education Partnership, Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), NAPTIP, and the National Agency for Child Protection commended the lawmakers’ efforts. However, they made an appeal to the governor to sign the Bill into law.
The passage of the bill demonstrates the state assembly’s commitment to creating a safe and conducive environment for the growth and development of children. It is hoped that the bill will safeguard the rights of children in Kano State and help reduce child abuse, a social issue that has become rampant in some parts of the country.
