THE ANNIVERSAY CELEBRATION OF THE 2013 DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD

The 16th day of every June is a remarkable day in the life of every African child. It is a historical day for all Africans and lovers of African Children. That is why it was set aside by the African leaders and members of the African Union (A.U), as a special day for remembrance of African Children who were disfigured and butchered to death by minority apartheid Government in Soweto, South Africa – 1976. The theme for this year celebration is: Preventing Harmful Socio-cultural Practices against Children: Our Collective Responsibility. In Her speech explains that, this theme is very appropriate in view of the responsibilities of parents and caregivers in the training of our children to be patriots and worthy ambassador. Furthermore, it is a fact that the government of His Excellency, Sir Dr. T.A. Orji (OCHENDO) sees children as the future of all human society, that need to be nurtured and protected. This will enable them develop into responsible and productive adults, who will tomorrow assume leadership for the running of our society. Her Excellency, always lean on the words of Ephesians 6: 1—3 which says “children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” and obey in all things for it is pleasing unto the Lord. Let the words of the 5th commandment which says “obey thy father and mother, so that thy life will be long here on this earth which I have given thee”, Deuteronomy 5:16 be your watchword. Finally, the Ochendo administration has removed all bottlenecks that will hinder the smooth operations of the 5th Abia State Children’s Parliament. It has complied with the relevant provision of the child right act of 2003 for the interest of Abia Children.