Conflict -affected children in Borno State have been commended for their resilience and courage. They have also been challenged to dream big and work towards its achievement.
The United Nations Children’s Fund said this on Wednesday during a programme to commemorate Children’s Day in Maiduguri.
While saluting the children, the UNICEF Chief of Borno Field Office, Phuong T. Nguyen, said they must be supported by stakeholders with the prioritization of access to water, sanitation, hygiene, nutrition, education, and protection services.
“You have demonstrated uncommon resilience as schoolgirls and boys. You are the heroes and champions that we celebrate today. You are the engineers, software developers, teachers, pilots, lawyers, scientists, mothers, fathers, and influencers of tomorrow.
“But today, you are children – deserving of love, care, support, and don’t forget, fun. I hope that you dream. I hope that you dream big. I hope that you keep your dreams alive and burning until you achieve them. I know you will,’’ she said.
Speaking at the occasion the Borno State First Lady, Dr. Falmata Zulum advocated for psychosocial counselling for children. She also urged women and children to observe the COVID-19 prevention protocols.
“Observing COVID-19- protocols of social distancing, wearing of facemasks, regular handwashing and maintaining personal and environmental hygiene is key to successful protection and elimination of the virus.
“We should also ensure food and nutrition support, popularize psychosocial counselling and provision of targeted materials for children’s education,’’ she said.
In his address, the Speaker of the Borno State Children’s Parliarment, Honourable Ibrahim Zanna Sunoma, lamented that the COVID-19 pandemic increased the population of out-of-school children.
‘Some parents married off their teenage daughters during the pandemic lockdown. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in substance abuse by under-age children.
“I suggest that government should aggressively pursue the possibility of connecting our schools to the internet to facilitate e-learning. Government should also link public libraries to the internet and pursue broadband penetration,’’ he said.
