The member representing Nnewi North Constituency in Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Nonso Smart Okafor has inaugurated the 8th Session of Anambra State Children’s Parliament.

Okafor inaugurated the parliament on behalf of the state government, yesterday, at Prof. Dora Akunyili Development Center, Awka.

The constitution and inauguration of the 8th Session of Anambra Children’s Parliament is pursuant to Section 8 & 14 of the Anambra State Child’s Rights Law, 2004.

Inaugurating the 8th Session of the Parliament, Hon. Nonso Okafor congratulated the executive members of the parliament for their victory in which different schools in the twenty-one Local Government Areas in Anambra participated. According to him, the election clearly shows that young people are gradually embracing and getting in touch with democratic process which is vital to ensure good governance.

He charged members of the Parliament to strive to be the mouthpiece of other Children who they represent through strong advocacy especially geared towards the implementation of Child’s Right Law 2004, emphasizing that the implementation of the law will help in the growth, protection, education, development of Children in the state.

To ensure their performance, he advised members of the parliament to respect the rules and procedure of the parliament and not allow external forces to determine the activities of the House.

While commending the immediate past Speaker, Rt. Hon. Faustina Mary Okoye for her sterling performance in repositioning the parliament, Nonso Smart Okafor charged the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Isreal Udekwe to build a Parliament that will allow children the opportunity to voice their ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

The Children’s Parliament is a platform to expose the rudiments of governance and leadership mainly in the area of lawmaking to young people. It is targeted at preparing children for future leadership tasks, improving their public speaking skills through their debates during their plenary.

Source: Ifeanyi Okonkwo