Anambra Assembly Calls On Govt. To strictly Enforce Restrictions of Children Hawking During School Hours
By Chizoba Okeke/Anastasia Agunwa/ Gloria Abugu
Anambra State House of Assembly has urged on State Government to direct the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare as well as other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDA’s to strictly enforce restrictions of children hawking during school hours.
The member representing Aguata 1 constituency in the State Assembly, Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke, who sponsored the motion, in his submission, noted that section 18(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended stipulates that government shall strive to eradicate illiteracy by providing free, compulsory and universal primary, secondary and university education for citizens as and when practicable.
Hon. Okpalaeke recalled that on September 21, 2023, Governor Chukwma Soludo announced the commencement of free education for all pupils and students from Nursery to Primary Six (6) Classes and JSS 1 to JSS3 for schools owned/run by the State Government.
Hon. Okpalaeke who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Education observed that some parents/guardians are yet to leverage on this golden opportunity provided by the State Government to enroll their wards into school, as children of school age are still seen in significant numbers hawking along the streets and major markets in the state during school hours.
He said, “Implementing measures such as prohibiting child hawking during school hours by the aforementioned ministry and agencies will ensure that the number of out of school children in our state is reduced with the long term positive socio-economic impacts such as increased literacy level, eradication of poverty and other social vices in the State.
“We can’t be talking of tomorrow, without considering today and the foundation we lay today will make a way for our children tomorrow”.
Supporting the motion, Honourables. Emmanuel Nwafor (Orumba South), Kingsley Udemezue (Idemili North) and Ejike Okechukwu (Aguata 2) all called for strict restriction of children hawking during school hours.
“According to the 1999 constitution as amended, education is a right and not a privilege and the importance of Child education cannot be over emphasized because the greatness of every nation is in the hands of the youths.
“Education gives confidence, boldness, moulds a child. It should be free and compulsery and Its illegal for children to hawk during school hours,” the lawmakers maintained.
The House later adjurned sitting to Tuesday March 5, 2024.
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