World Children’s Day: Girl, 16, becomes 1 day Borno commissioner

From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri

A 16-year-old girl, Precious Joseph, yesterday assumed the seat of the Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development for one day to commemorate the 2025 World Children’s Day in the state.

Precious, who is living with disability, took over the commissioner’s seat at the ministry’s office, Musa Usman State Secretary in Maiduguri, yesterday, pledging her desire to work for the protection of children’s rights, especially the right to quality education.

“My focus is to advocate for the safety of all children against any form of violations. I want to see that children, especially People Living With Disability (PLWD) are off the streets, out of begging and in school,” the new “commissioner,” a senior Secondary School (SSS 1) student, declared.

Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, congratulated the one-day commissioner for her selection.

Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Hamza, Gambo commended the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners for the innovation in this year’s World Children’s Day celebration.

Officer-in-Charge, UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Mr Joseph Senesie, said the opportunity and platform showed that children could achieve whatever they desired and become what they set their hearts on.

“I am confident that this wonderful and insightful experience will serve not only Precious but also other children for a lifetime,” he noted.

He said the selection and choice of the new commissioner was done in collaboration with the Borno State Government and the partner.

Senesie said the theme of this year’s commemoration, ‘My Day, My Right,’ shows that it is possible for children to achieve their dreams. “Taking over the seat of administration in this ministry for a day will enable children to know that their dreams and rights are attainable,” he stressed.

The World Children’s Day is commemorated globally on November 20 to raise awareness on the rights of children and all issues affecting children for the purpose of improving their well-being.