Mark: N' Assembly'll Strengthen Law To Protect Nigerian Children

SAN FRANCISCO, May 27, (THEWILL) – Senate President, Senator David Mark, has assured that the National Assembly will strengthen legislations that would guarantee the rights and protection of Nigerian children.

Such legislations, according to Mark, are in addition to the existing Child Right Act of 2003.

The legislations, he said, are to ensure that the basic rights of children, including compulsory education, right to health care and security are guaranteed.

Speaking at a farewell Church service for the 2013 Ugandan pilgrims at the St. Mulumba Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, Abuja, on Monday, Mark noted that children are the future of Nigeria and therefore should be nurtured and be guided properly.

The Senate President advised the Nigerian child to be focused and be prepared for the leadership role ahead.

He also told parents and guardians to monitor their wards in order not to deviate from the path of honour.

Reminding the pilgrims of the need to pray for Nigeria in distress, Mark said “it is no longer news that Nigeria is passing through difficult times. We need prayers more than ever before to overcome these challenges."

According to the Senate President, “We need to remember Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States under the state of emergency proclamation. Pray for our brothers and sisters in those States and for the quick restoration of peace and normalcy."

He advised the pilgrims to embark on the pilgrimage as a team and be good ambassadors of the church and the nation.

He also implored them not to see the pilgrimage as a jamboree or going there for a shopping spree in order not to lose the essence of the religious obligation.

The Catholic Priest of the Chaplaincy, Rev. Father Innocent Jooji, had, earlier in a sermon, told the pilgrims to be of good conduct and shun any act that are likely to embarrass the country.