By Anne Azuka
The Delta State House of Assembly has successfully passed the second reading of a Bill to Amend the Child Rights Law 2008. This amendment aims to strengthen the legal framework for child rights protection in Delta State.
Lead sponsor Hon. (Mrs) Marylyn Okowa-Daramola, representing Ika North East Constituency, presented the bill during Tuesday’s plenary, chaired by Speaker Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor. The amendment seeks to update the existing law to align with contemporary issues and improve its effectiveness.
In her presentation, Hon. Okowa-Daramola emphasized that the 16-year-old law requires updates to address modern realities. She pointed out that several provisions in the principal law are outdated and hinder effective implementation. The amendment will revise twelve sections of the original 68-section law.
Key among the proposed changes is a shift in responsibility for implementing the Child Rights Law from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, and Social Development. This change is intended to streamline execution and better address current needs.
The bill received widespread support, with 28 lawmakers co-sponsoring the amendment. Contributions from members, including Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo and Deputy Majority Leader Festus Okoh, underscored the necessity of these updates. The amendment aims to resolve implementation challenges and enhance the law’s impact on child welfare.
The Speaker has referred the bill to the House Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, and Humanitarian Support Services for detailed review, with a report due on October 3, 2024.
Additionally, the Assembly confirmed the appointments of Mr. Aluge-Obia Kainji for Ika South and Mr. John Ewenede for Ughelli South as Secretaries to Local Government Councils. The Speaker congratulated the appointees and urged them to excel in their new roles.
