16-year-old Ramlat Ahmed, a Senior Secondary School two science student of Ilimi School, has been officially inaugurated as the new Speaker of the Gombe State Children’s Parliament. This significant event marks a pivotal moment in the state’s commitment to youth empowerment and child rights advocacy.
The inauguration ceremony, which took place on Monday, also witnessed the swearing-in of 14-year-old Christopher Ngale as the Deputy Speaker, along with ten other principal officers who will lead the seventh assembly of the Children’s Parliament.
The event was held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Gombe and was attended by a wide array of dignitaries, including senior government officials, members of the Gombe State House of Assembly, child rights advocates, educators, and representatives of various civil society organisations.
The inauguration of the new parliament marks a revival of the Children’s legislative body in the state, which had not been active since 2022. According to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Modi Shelpidi, the occasion represents a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to uphold and promote the rights and welfare of children.
“This assembly will go a long way in advancing not only the rights of children but also highlighting critical issues affecting women and other vulnerable groups in society,” Shelpidi said, reaffirming the state government’s dedication to inclusive governance.
During the ceremony, the Principal Legislative Officer at the Gombe State House of Assembly, Aminu Aliyu, administered the oath of office and charged the young legislators to serve diligently as ambassadors for their peers.
“You are to see yourselves as ambassadors of other children; you must carry yourselves in a manner that reflects the responsibilities of your offices,” Aliyu advised. He encouraged the members to be bold in addressing challenges faced by children and to use their positions to advocate for meaningful change in society.
Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Gabriel Galadima, commended the establishment of the new assembly and pledged the full support of the State House of Assembly.
He emphasised the importance of legislative mentoring for the young parliamentarians, promising that the House would work closely with them to impart knowledge of the lawmaking process and leadership ethics.
“We are committed to teaching the children the rudiments of lawmaking. They should feel free to seek guidance from us whenever necessary,” Galadima noted.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Asma’u Iganus, lauded Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his administration’s unwavering commitment to child welfare and empowerment.
She described the inauguration as a landmark achievement that underscores the state’s forward-thinking approach to inclusive governance.
“This historic and auspicious occasion is aimed at empowering young people to understand and engage in legislative processes. It is about giving them a voice and preparing them to be responsible citizens who can contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and nation,” she stated.
Iganus also highlighted the governor’s recent assent to crucial child-focused laws, including the Child Protection Law and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, as clear indicators of the government’s dedication to safeguarding the rights of children.
Commissioner Iganus urged the newly inaugurated parliamentarians to make full use of their platform to champion the rights and interests of children across Gombe State and beyond.
She also called on community leaders, parents, and all stakeholders to support the initiative by fostering an enabling environment that is safe, inclusive, and free from all forms of intimidation, abuse, or discrimination.
In a related initiative marking the approach of Children’s Day on May 27, officials from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, led by Commissioner Iganus, conducted visits to several orphanages across Gombe State.
These visits were part of ongoing efforts to show solidarity and provide support to vulnerable children living in institutional care. Relief items were distributed to orphanages including Al-Guh Orphanage, Da’awah Orphanage, Gombe House of Hope, and Destiny Kids Orphanage. This gesture aimed to improve the living conditions of the children and reaffirm the government’s commitment to their welfare.
The inauguration of the seventh assembly of the Gombe State Children’s Parliament and the related activities symbolize a renewed focus on child rights advocacy, youth leadership development, and inclusive governance in the state. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of children as vital stakeholders in governance and societal development, tasked with the responsibility to advocate for their peers and influence policies that ensure their protection, education, and overall wellbeing.