Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara has urged government agencies and other critical stakeholders to step up the campaign against anti social practices that hamper the development of children, such as child Labour and human trafficking.
Lady Fubara who made the call while delivering her address during the 2024 Children’s Day celebration held at Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday, said such intense campaign will help in protecting children from the evil practices and safeguard their future.
She advised parents to resist the temptation of getting involved in the unwholesome practices as a result of economic challenges or societal influence.
“It’s apparent that more efforts will still be made to continue to tackle issues relating to our children, especially in the area of child labour and trafficking which is endemic in our society today. I call on relevant government agencies to step up the campaign against such evil practices and ensure the safety of our children as they remain the hope of our nation and leaders of tomorrow. I urge parents not to be unduly pressured either by the temporary economic challenges or by societal influences to engage in such inhuman practice of child labour or trafficking. It is not only an evil against humanity but also a sin against God.”
The wife of the Governor noted that education of children continues to receive priority attention under the administration of her husband, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, as several policy actions are being put in place to reposition and enhance the education sector by strengthening the operations and promoting the emergence of smart schools through remodelled and upgraded infrastructure and equipment.
” I am aware that this administration has also taken up examination fees and further purchased books and instructional materials to deepen teaching and learning. We are truly grateful to His Excellency, the governor, for always thinking ahead to cater for our children.”
” It is a demonstration of our responsibility to build the future we definitely want to see. If we want a tomorrow with great men and women, we must be deliberate in planning for that future with greater investment that will manifest in the well-being of our today’s children.”
“Recently too, the Renewed Hope Initiative of the wife of Mr. President, Senator Remi Tinubu, through my office donated 50,000 exercise books to public schools in the state. These were efforts to ensure that our children do not lack the basic things required of them to engage in learning.”