A 16-year-old Senior Secondary School two student of Ilimi School, Ramlat Ahmed, has been sworn in on Monday  as the Speaker of the Gombe State Children’s Parliament.

Also sworn in was  14-year-old Christopher Ngale, who emerged as Deputy Speaker. 

They were sworn in along  10 other principal officers who will steer the affairs of the seventh assembly of the Children’s Parliament in the state.

Government officials, legislative officers, and child rights advocates were at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to witness the inauguration.

Speaking at the event,  Principal Legislative Officer at the Gombe State House of Assembly, Aminu Aliyu, counselled the youngsters to conduct themselves properly.

He said, “You are to see yourselves as ambassadors of other children; you must carry yourselves in a manner that reflects the responsibilities of your offices,” he said. 

Also speaking at the event was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Modi Shelpidi. said the inauguration marked a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to promote child welfare.

Shelpidi said, “Since 2022, the state has not had a functioning Children’s Parliament. This assembly will go a long way in advancing not only children’s rights but also broader issues concerning women.”

On her own part,  the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Asma’u Iganus, commended the state governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for committing to the welfare of children in the state.

“The Governor’s assent to the Child Protection Law and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law is a clear demonstration of his passion and fatherly concern for children in the state,” she said