As the world celebrated the innocence, dreams, and rights of children on May 27, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, raised a solemn voice over a pressing concern—child abuse and trafficking. In a statement marking the 2025 Children’s Day, the Speaker did not mince words as he called on government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and civil society actors to step up the fight against all forms of child exploitation in the country.
With the clarity of a father and the authority of a legislator, Suleiman urged for the full weight of the law to descend on those who violate the sanctity of childhood through abuse, neglect, and illegal trafficking. “There is no excuse—cultural or economic—for robbing a child of their dignity and future,” he emphasized.
Appealing to parents and guardians, the Speaker reminded them of their sacred duty to nurture, educate, and protect the young. “We must not outsource our responsibility to the streets or leave it in the hands of chance,” he noted, stressing that the home remains the first line of defense against societal rot.
Rt. Hon. Suleiman also took the opportunity to spotlight the Bauchi Assembly’s recent achievements in promoting child welfare through legislation, including laws that enhance access to education, healthcare, and protection from abuse. He reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to championing policies that safeguard the rights of every child in the state.
As balloons filled the skies and children danced in celebration across Bauchi, Suleiman’s message was a reminder that beneath the laughter lies a duty—to protect the joy, freedom, and promise of the Nigerian child.