Pulse.ng : Thinkers Children Foundation Advocates Active implementation of Sokoto State Child Protection Law

By Sani Idris

Thinkers Children Foundation (TCF), has advocated the active implementation of the Sokoto State Child Protection Law 2021.

At an advocacy visit to the District Head of Tudun Wada, Sokoto South LGA, Sokoto State on Wednesday, the Programme Officer of the foundation, Mamman Yusuf, said the foundation envisions a society where every child enjoys a high quality of life.

In line with the foundation's vision, Yusuf highlighted the purpose of the advocacy visit, acknowledging the strategic importance of Tudun Wada District within Sokoto State due to its rich heritage and influence.

He emphasised the foundation's commitment to advocating for the active implementation of the Sokoto State Child Protection Law 2021, noting that many community members are still unaware of the law and its significance.

Yusuf pointed out the pressing issues faced by children in Tudun Wada to include high rates of school dropout, child labour, abuse, and Iack of access to quality education and healthcare, exacerbated by displacement and socio-economic challenges.

He therefore urged the district's leaders especially youth and traditional leaders who serve as custodians of community values to lend their voices to support the implementation of the law and hold offenders accountable.

He emphasised that active involvement in child welfare would support government and civil society efforts to ensure that children enjoy the protection and opportunities promised by the law.

The Programme Officer expressed appreciation to the District Head and his council for their hospitality and willingness to engage with the foundation.

Responding on behalf of the palace cabinet, Alhaji Uwaisu Dalhatu, expressed gratitude to the foundation for choosing Tudun Wada as the site of their advocacy visit.

He assured the foundation of the palace's open-door policy and willingness to collaborate further.

He also expressed hope that TCF would help remove children from the streets, educate and empower them to achieve self-sufficiency.

Also speaking, the District Head, Dalhatun Sokoto, Alhaji Jibo Dan Mallam, thanked TCF for their visit, noting that although Tudun Wada has approximately fifty village heads, only ten were able to attend due to other engagements and distance.

He voiced his concern regarding the rise in out-of-school children in the community and its negative long-term effects on community development.

He therefore encouraged TCF to continue sensitizing the public on the child protection law and supporting community members in holding the government accountable for its implementation.

He also urged the foundation to consider Tudun Wada for interventions focused on empowering children, particularly girls, through skill acquisition and vocational training.

The District Head expressed gratitude to the Sokoto State Government for domesticating the child protection law, while calling for increased awareness to educate communities about its importance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that TCF is a non-profit, non-govermental organisation dedicated to the well-being of children across Nigeria, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, economic background, or ability.

Action points of the advocacy visit are;

1- Community Sensitisation: Conduct sensitisation sessions within Tudun Wada and surrounding villages to increase awareness about the Sokoto State Child Protection Law 2021 and its relevance to community safety and child welfare.

2- Empowerment Programmes: Develop programmes aimed at empowering children, particularly girls, through skills acquisition, vocational training, and educational support.

3- Community Engagement: Establish a system of regular engagement with the District Head and local leaders to update them on TCF's ongoing initiatives, share progress, and gather feedback on community needs.

4- Accountability Advocacy: Mobilise community leaders to advocate for government accountability in enforcing the Child Protection Law, focusing on penalties for child abuse, child labour, and other violations.

5- Educational Support Initiatives: Explore potential collaborations with schools or education al bodies to

support access to quality education for out-of-school children in Tudun Wada.

Lessons Learnt are;

1- Community Support is Vital: The enthusiastic response from the District Head and community leaders underscores the importance of local support. Collaboration with local authorities enhances the effectiveness of advocacy efforts.

2- Need for Broader Awareness: There remains a significant gap in public awareness about the Child Protection Law, underscoring the need for ongoing sensitisation initiatives.

3- Addressing Cultural Barriers: Successful advocacy must respect local customs and structures, as community leaders serve as gatekeepers to implementing change.

4- Sustained Presence Increases Impact: The palace's openness to further visits indicates the value of sustained engagement. Regular follow-up visits and updates will strengthen relationships and solidify TCF's influence.

5- Empowerment of Youth and Women Leaders: Involving youth and women leaders proved beneficial,

highlighting the role of diverse voices in advocating for child welfare and legal protections. Empowering

these groups can create a ripple effect of advocacy and awareness across the community.