Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the rights, welfare, education, security, and safety of children in the state.

This commitment was highlighted in a press statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Mainstream Media, Dan Nwomeh, on Monday to mark the 2024 Children’s Day.

“The governor is especially focused on protecting the rights of every child and making sure children of school age have access to high-quality basic education, which will inspire them to express their creativity in science, technology, art, and music, and make their voices heard in society,” the statement read.

Governor Mbah emphasized the importance of children in society, saying, “Children are an essential part of our society. Without them, there will not be a transition to a greater tomorrow. They mirror the outlook of our future, and the tomorrow we want to bequeath to them.”

He assured that his administration is dedicated to protecting children’s rights, which are fundamental to his governance. “Our administration has made it a point of duty to commit to the education, welfare, safety, and rights of our children,” he stated.

Governor Mbah highlighted significant budgetary commitments to children’s welfare, saying, “This is why we are committing over 33% of this fiscal year’s budgetary allocation to their education and wellbeing.”

He also mentioned the construction of “260 smart green schools across the 260 wards in the state,” as part of efforts to ensure a bright and productive future for all children, regardless of status, religion, sex, or background.

Reflecting on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “For every child, every right,” Governor Mbah expressed his administration’s dedication to eliminating child labor, child trafficking, malnutrition, and any other form of attacks on children. He stressed that no child in the state would face setbacks in their education due to their family background.

“As a way of ensuring every child in Enugu State participates in the journey to shaping a better future, our administration has placed a high priority on basic and primary education,” he said.

“We are not only offering quality education, we are offering a free, world-class experiential system of learning that has departed from the traditional method of education.”

Mbah concluded by assuring that his administration will “keep listening and giving our children voices to be heard, and celebrate their talents and ingenuity.”