The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to ending all forms of violence against children as it hosts the inaugural Regional Meeting of African Pathfinder Countries under the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children.
The two-day summit, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, brought together senior delegates from 14 African nations to strengthen regional collaboration, share innovative solutions, and commit to measurable actions aimed at enhancing child protection across the continent.
In her welcome address, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, welcomed the delegates and commended their dedication to child protection, describing the gathering as a pivotal moment in Africa’s united fight against child abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harmful practices.
“It is our moral and collective responsibility to ensure no child lives in fear or is left behind,” the Minister declared. “This meeting is not just symbolic; it is a clarion call to action—towards measurable, time-bound solutions that prioritize the lives and futures of our children.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim outlined Nigeria’s specific commitments as a Pathfinder country, which include supporting services for 2 million at-risk children by 2030, eliminating harmful practices in 18 states by 2028, strengthening legal frameworks through enforcement of the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, expanding the Safe Schools Programme, and increasing budgetary allocation for child protection initiatives.
She also recognized the support of development partners such as UNICEF and the Pathfinder Initiative, noting Nigeria’s integration of child protection into broader policy areas, including education, digital safety, climate resilience, and social development.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, also addressed the summit, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to international treaties on child welfare, particularly in eradicating child labour.
“Violence against children knows no age, race, or colour,” Onyejeocha said. “We have ratified key International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and are committed to empowering children through education, skills development, and access to digital technology.”
The summit’s opening session set an assertive tone, with delegates agreeing that meaningful action must replace empty promises.
“Every child matters,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim concluded. “And every policy, every law, and every budget must reflect that truth.”
As the summit progresses, participating countries are expected to adopt coordinated strategies and make bold, accountable commitments to drive measurable progress in protecting Africa’s children.
ADEOLA KUNLE
