Save the Children International (SCI), a leading child rights organisation, yesterday, applauded Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum for signing the Child Protection Bill into law. The Child Rights Act (CRA) was passed by the State House of Assembly in December 2021, and signed into law by Professor Babagana Zulum on January 10, 2022.

The law, which seeks to protect children, who continue to bear the brunt of the 12-year conflict in the region, puts the state in the spotlight as the first-ever in the region to domesticate CRA.

Country Director, SCI Nigeria, Mercy Gichuhi, in a statement, yesterday, said the passage of the law and its eventual signing was a New Year gift to the children of Borno State.

Gichuchi, who called for a thorough implementation of the law, stressed that good governance was about listening to the voices of the most vulnerable; the children, who have been crying over the years for their lives to be protected. She said: “Over a decade, SCI has been leading advocacy towards the domestication of the Child Rights Act in Borno state alongside partner organisations, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), child champions, communities, religious and traditional leaders, and in the last couple of years with Borno State Children’s parliament. “SCI is glad to see the role that children played in the process leading up to the passing of this bill into law. This demonstrates the impact and effectiveness of child-led advocacies. SCI Nigeria will continue its collaboration and partnership in the implementation of this law.”

Speaker, Borno State Children’s Parliament, Ibrahim Zana Sunoma, expressed the parliament’s appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the passage and domestication of the CRA.

“Big thanks to the Governor of Borno State for signing this bill into law. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of the law in Borno State,” she said. Similarly, Girl Champion, SCI Nigeria, Borno chapter, Madina Abdulkadir, said: “We the children of Borno State would like to show our sincere appreciation for passing the Child Protection Law.

“There is no gainsaying that the act will be the best for the children in Borno because the crisis and abuses, which have been going on in the state have always been a threat to our lives, we are grateful to the governor, the government of Borno State and other international bodies for ensuring the bill was passed.

“The provision of the Act will make a change in the narrative of an average Borno child, who is not guaranteed or assured of a daily meal or proper shelter. We are very grateful.”