Sokoto Governor inaugurates forum on child rights, protection

Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State on Wednesday inaugurated a 17-man Advocacy and Community Engagement Forum to promote child rights as well as child survival, development and protection.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inter-agency forum has the State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu as Chairman, while the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Alhaji Mainasara Ahmed is its Scribe.

NAN also reports that Aliyu inaugurated the forum on behalf of Tambuwal.

The governor said the forum would enhance the active participation of traditional rulers and religious leaders as well as other stakeholders on health, water supply, sanitation, hygiene and education.

”It will also ensure the capacity building of social mobilisers, to effectively support child rights, child survival, development and protection agenda in the state,” he said.

He said that issues related to deaths of young children in the state include poor nutrition and low capacity of health personnel.

Others are poor sanitation and large number of out-of-school children, especially girls.

The governor charged the members of the forum to live above board to justify the confidence reposed in them.

NAN reports that the membership is drawn from the media, traditional and religious leaders, and other stakeholders.