By Peace Osemwegie
The Edo State Government has pledged to strengthen the capacity and welfare of the Edo State Children’s Parliament, promising swift intervention on issues affecting its members and their constituencies.
This commitment was made by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Chief Bisi Idaomi, during an engagement with the Parliament held in Benin City.
She reassured the young lawmakers of the administration’s dedication under Governor Monday Okpebholo to improve education and children’s rights, promising that an official visit to the State House of Assembly would be arranged within 30 days to aid their understanding of legislative processes.
Speaking on institutional development, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Joy Ihensekhien, advocated regular training and orientation sessions for the Parliament to align its operations with international best practices.
The Speaker of the Children’s Parliament, Hon. Omorogbe Jonathan, expressed appreciation for the meeting and highlighted the challenges hindering the Parliament’s effectiveness.
He acknowledged that since its inauguration in August 2022, the body had strayed from its founding vision. Concerns raised by members included a lack of platforms to express their potential, poor learning environments, understaffing, and bullying in schools.
Hon. Omorogbe also requested the State Government’s support in facilitating a hands-on orientation through a visit to the Assembly, noting that such exposure would greatly enrich the Parliament’s capacity to engage meaningfully on policy issues.
Representatives of the Child Protection Network, Edo State Chapter, commended the government’s renewed attention to children’s issues and its focus on inclusive development, welfare, and participatory governance for the younger population.
All 24 members of the Children’s Parliament, drawn from various constituencies across the state were present at the session.
