FG urges states to implement Child Rights Law, National Gender Policy

ASABA—Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Aisha Alhassan, has stressed the need for the implementation of the Child Rights Law and National Gender Policy as part of efforts towards addressing issues affecting children, women and the vulnerable in society. Speaking in Asaba, Delta State, when she paid a courtesy call on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Alhassan also called for economic empowerment of women and their increased participation in politics and decision making. Stressing the need to address harmful traditions that affect women and children, the minister, who was represented by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Dinta Bello, called for care, development and integration of persons with disabilities. Commending the Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Sola Williams for her diligent attitude to work, she thanked Governor Okowa for bringing her on board to serve. Alhassan, who also visited the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr Monday Igbuya, the Asagba of Asaba and Deign of Agbor, insisted on increased budgetary allocation to issues relating to women, children, other socially disadvantaged groups and empowerment and job retraining activities for the elderly in the country. In his brief remarks, Governor Okowa commended the minister for the advocacy visit, adding that government and governance were all about enhancing the welfare of the citizens. Okowa, who spoke through his deputy, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, said his government would partner and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to bring succour to the vulnerable.