In pursuit of equal right for the African Child’s advancement in the digital environment, in commemoration of the OAU Day of the African Child which is being celebrated on June 16 every year.
A Non Governmental Organisation in Nigeria with the aim to safeguard the well-being and future of African children by employing research, advocacy, and psychosocial interventions, A Mother’s Love Initiative (AMLi) which carries out advocacy against admitting under-aged children into schools and by extension against the hurried child syndrome, has called on the leaders of Africa to seek collaboration in order to provide good policies for the development of African Child for global competitiveness.
Commenting on this year’s theme: “Children’s rights in digital environment”, the NGO stressed the need for African leaders especially Nigeria to invest on the digital education of the fast growing population of the African Child.
Founder/President, AMLi, Hanatu A. Enwemadu in a media chat with newsmen said, “Over 400 million children are currently living on the African continent and the number is rising. The United Nation estimates that Africa’s population will double to 2.4 billion by 2050, that’s one quarter of the world’s population”.
Enwemadu, who is a lawyer said ” it is important that Nigerian and African leaders reaffirm their commitment to the future of the African Child.
“We cannot ignore the challenges that children face. It is of great importance that we address the barriers to their well-being, prioritize education which is 21st century oriented, reform and enforce policies that positively impact across the education sector, ensuring that every Nigerian and African child has access to quality education”.
She said that accessibility to healthcare services, proper nutrition and comprehensive support systems are also vital in creating a healthy and thriving future for the Nigerian and African children. “Empowerment is key to shaping the future of the Nigerian and African child. Centrality of children and their protection is also an important factor that has to be reviewed.
We therefore encourage African leaders to provide opportunities for skill development, vocational training and entrepreneurship as these indirectly impact the children’s well-being in the society.
In our pursuit of securing the future and well-being of the Nigerian and African child, collaboration is essential. Governments, civil society organizations, communities, and individuals must work together, pooling resources, expertise, and knowledge. We encourage the current Nigerian government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other African leaders to forge partnerships and share best practices. Together, we can create a collective force that uplifts the lives of the Nigerian and African child”.