…harps on Socio- inclusiveness in decision-making processes.
By Oginni Joy Kehinde
In line with the Edo State Government’s commitment to ensuring inclusiveness in the decision-making processes, the State’s Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues has conducted an election to fill the various positions in the Edo State Children’s Parliament.
The event which marked the fourth session of the Children’s Parliament was held at the Ministry’s premises in Benin City, Edo State.
Declaring the event open, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs. Babara Osobajo explained that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration is keen on the development and welfare of the children and as such continues to place premium on various reforms to support their plight.
In her words; “The Children’s Parliament is not a responsibility to be taken lightly. It is because this government is committed to socio-inclusion, which is why we deemed it important to constitute the Children’s Parliament. So your presence here is for your voices to be heard so that when we are making policies, your interest would be part of what we are planning. We do not want to have a government that rolls out policies and makes decisions without your input”.
Osobajo admonished the various aspirants into the Children’s Parliaments to be dedicated and committed to their duties if elected.
She noted; “For those of you that will emerge as eventual officers of the parliament, I want you to know that it is a privilege and a role that you must understand the enormity of the responsibility that you have and be ready to do your best at all times. In this, teamwork will come to play, because collectively you are going to be making decisions which eventually will translate to what we at a higher level will put together. I am very proud to be part of this parliament and I trust that the outcome of your being here would be very productive and successful”.
Earlier, the Director of Planning and Research Mr. John Mcdonald, while making a presentation, provided some insight on the history of, and the objectives of the Children’s Parliament. He said that Nigeria in 2003, adopted the Child Rights Act to domesticate the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
He further noted that one of the objectives of the parliament is to develop skills for good governance and responsible citizenship among Nigerian Children, noting that the parliament also provides a platform for Edo children to express their views on issues that concern their well-being and communicate same to their supervisory ministry.
At the end of the keenly contested election, Mr. Uyiosa Omoregbe emerged as the Speaker, while Omofonwan Divine emerged as the Deputy Speaker. Other members of the parliament with the positions they won are: Abieba Akhere, Clerk; Anslem Jerry, Assistant Clerk; Osasenaga Precious, House Leader; Aziegbemin Victory, Deputy House Leader; Oriomlen Bethel, Chief Whip; Ohioman Bethel, Assistant Chief Whip; Irehovbude Ebosetale Jesse, Mace Bearer and Eyefugiri Trust as the Assistant Mace Bearer.
Recall that examination and rigorous screening were conducted before the selection of the various aspirants across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State.
