By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Child Protection Network (CPN), Plateau State Chapter, in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) program, has launched a two-day training for judges, magistrates, and law enforcement officers to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of the Child Rights Law 2005 in Plateau State.
Speaking at the opening session on Tuesday in Jos, the Plateau State Coordinator of CPN, Mrs. Sandra Chikan, said the training aims to ensure that officials responsible for handling child-related and gender-based cases are well equipped to apply the law effectively.
Mrs. Chikan explained that the Child Rights Law 2005 guarantees the protection, welfare, and development of children, while placing responsibilities on parents, caregivers, and community leaders to uphold these rights.
“The key stakeholders in this room represent men and women working tirelessly to uphold the cause and rights of children. You were carefully selected for this capacity-building workshop to strengthen your knowledge and response,” she stated.
She described the Child Protection Network as a coalition of state and non-state actors committed to preventing and responding to child abuse, neglect, and exploitation across all levels.
Chikan noted that Plateau State has recorded a rise in reported cases of child abuse in recent times, underscoring the need for stronger institutional capacity and inter-agency collaboration.
“This program, initiated in partnership with RoLAC, is designed to build the capacity of duty bearers—those entrusted with ensuring that our children get justice. We hope this workshop will foster dialogue and lead to the establishment of systems and structures for sustained collaboration,” she added.
She further expressed optimism that participants will develop actionable strategies and programs within their organizations to improve child protection efforts in the state.
“Especially for our legal officers, we expect that after this training, you will be strategically positioned to handle child-related cases efficiently and ensure that justice for children is neither delayed nor denied,” Chikan emphasized.
Also speaking, Magistrate Deborah Nyam commended the Child Protection Network for organizing the training, describing it as timely and relevant for the Judiciary.
“This training is very important to the Judiciary. I encourage all participants to be open to learning so we can collectively improve how we handle cases involving children,” she said.
The two-day workshop brings together judges, magistrates, police officers, and child protection advocates from across the state to review best practices in applying the Child Rights Law 2005 and enhance coordination among institutions working to safeguard children.
