A 16-year-old student, Ramlat Ahmed, has been sworn in as the new Speaker of the Gombe State Children’s Parliament.
Ahmed, who is in Senior Secondary School Two at Ilimi School, was inaugurated on Monday at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Gombe.
She was joined by 14-year-old Christopher Ngale, who was sworn in as Deputy Speaker, and 10 other young lawmakers who will lead the seventh assembly of the children’s parliament in the state.
The event was attended by government officials, lawmakers, and child rights advocates.
While administering the oath, Principal Legislative Officer at the Gombe State House of Assembly, Aminu Aliyu, advised the young leaders to protect the rights of other children.
“You are to see yourselves as ambassadors of other children. You must carry yourselves in a manner that reflects the responsibilities of your offices,” Aliyu said.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Modi Shelpidi, said the event was a big step forward for children in Gombe State.
“Since 2022, the state has not had a functioning Children’s Parliament. This assembly will go a long way in advancing not only children’s rights but also broader issues concerning women,” Shelpidi said.
Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Gabriel Galadima, promised that the Gombe State House of Assembly would support the young parliamentarians.
“We are committed to teaching the children the basics of lawmaking. They should feel free to seek guidance from us whenever necessary,” Galadima added.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Asma’u Iganus, praised the state governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for his continued support for children.
She said, “The Governor’s assent to the Child Protection Law and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law is a clear demonstration of his passion and fatherly concern for children in the state.”
Iganus described the inauguration as an important moment meant to help children understand how laws are made and to encourage them to speak up about their needs and concerns.
She also called on stakeholders to create a safe and welcoming environment for all children, free from harassment and fear.
As part of the activities marking the upcoming Children’s Day on May 27, the ministry visited several orphanages across the state and donated relief items to homes including Al-Guh Orphanage, Da’awah Orphanage, Gombe House of Hope, and Destiny Kids Orphanage.
