ASABA/Nigeria: A bill seeking to amend the Child Rights Law of 2008, aimed at strengthening the legal framework for child protection in Delta State, has passed its second reading in the State House of Assembly.
The lead sponsor of the bill, Hon. Marylyn Okowa-Daramola, who represents Ika North East Constituency, presented the amendment during Tuesday’s plenary, presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor. She explained that the proposed changes would enhance the existing law and introduce new provisions to improve implementation and compliance.
Hon. Okowa-Daramola, in her argument for the amendment, emphasized that societal change is crucial for growth. She pointed out that the original law, enacted 16 years ago, is now outdated and requires revision to address current trends and challenges. The amendment focuses on 12 sections out of the 68 sections and 268 pages of the principal law, ensuring the law’s alignment with present-day realities.
One key aspect of the amendment is the recommendation that the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, and Social Development, rather than the Ministry of Education, be responsible for implementing the Child Rights Law. Okowa-Daramola explained that this shift in responsibility would ease implementation and make the law more effective in protecting children’s rights in line with today’s evolving environment.
The lawmaker stressed that when the amendment is passed and signed by the Governor, it would significantly improve the capacity to implement child protection laws and help unlock the potential of children, who are the future leaders.
Her presentation garnered unanimous support from her colleagues, with 28 other lawmakers co-sponsoring the bill. Those who spoke, including Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, Deputy Majority Leader Festus Okoh, and other prominent members of the House, praised the initiative. They acknowledged that the amendments are necessary due to the challenges that have hindered the implementation of the original law.
Speaker Guwor commended the lawmakers for their thorough debate and referred the bill to the House Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, and Humanitarian Support Services for further review. The committee is expected to report back on October 3, 2024.
In a separate matter, the House screened and confirmed two nominees for appointment as Secretaries to Local Government Councils. Mr. Aluge-Obia Kainji was confirmed for Ika South, while Mr. John Ewenede was confirmed for Ughelli South. The Speaker congratulated both appointees, urging them to serve their councils with dedication and excellence.
