Niger First Lady’s Representative Calls for Stronger Child Protection, Safe Education

The wife of the Secretary to the Niger State Government (SSG), Hajiya Jummai Abubakar Usman, has called for stronger measures to protect children against trafficking, abuse, exploitation and other forms of violence while ensuring their access to safe and quality education.

She made the call in Minna while delivering a message on behalf of the First Lady of Niger State, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago, at a town hall meeting held to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.

The event was organised by the Office of the First Lady in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and Female Directors-General in Niger State.

It brought together government officials, education stakeholders, child rights advocates, community leaders and development partners under the theme, “Nigeria @ 66: Beyond Celebration, Protecting Every Child, Securing Every Future.”

Speaking on behalf of the First Lady, Hajiya Jummai stressed that child protection must go beyond public declarations and become a collective responsibility involving families, communities, schools, religious and traditional institutions, and government at all levels.

She described children as valuable assets to society and emphasised the need to provide them with safe environments, quality education, healthcare, proper guidance and opportunities to realise their full potential.

In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting the welfare of women and children through collaboration and sustained stakeholder engagement.

Similarly, the Director-General of Schools and Education Reforms, Hajiya Maimuna Mohammed, called for urgent and practical measures to address child trafficking, abuse and exploitative labour.

She described these practices as serious threats to children’s safety, education and future prospects, stressing that efforts must extend beyond school enrolment to ensuring that children remain in school and are protected both within and outside the learning environment.

The meeting featured panel discussions on child safety, children’s rights and access to education. Participants called for stronger enforcement of child protection laws, increased public awareness, improved school safety and greater inclusion of children with disabilities.

Stakeholders also identified poverty, inadequate infrastructure, transportation difficulties and limited educational opportunities in rural communities as major barriers to education, particularly for girls and other vulnerable children.

A presentation by pupils of the ECCED Lab School further reinforced the campaign against child trafficking, exploitation and abuse. The pupils displayed placards bearing messages such as “Children Are Not for Sale,” “Stop Child Trafficking” and “Every Child Has the Right to Education.”

The town hall meeting ended with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, enforce child rights laws and ensure that every child in Niger State enjoys safety, dignity and access to quality education.