Ten-year-old Abubakar Gaddafi moved through the Sokoto central market with a bucket full of sachet water, unperturbed by the noise of vehicular movement. It was noon on a Tuesday in early June, when most other children were in schools around the metropolis.
Abubakar told this reporter that he stayed out of school some days of the week to earn a living.
“My mother buys the sachet water for me to sell, and she uses the money to buy what we eat,” the Primary Four pupil of Gwaza Primary School said.
“Form statutory Child Rights Committees at the state and local levels. This should comprise government representatives, civil society organisations, women lawyers, media, and security officers, with clear terms of reference. Ensure the committees meet quarterly to review cases, track referrals, and publish progress reports.”
This reporter tried to reach officials of the Sokoto State Government but could not. Between June and July, the reporter visited the state Ministry of Justice and was asked to submit a letter seeking an interview with state government officials.
However, despite the letter, multiple visits to the ministry and telephone reminders, the officials failed to respond to the enquiries or schedule an interview session as promised. (Premium Times)
DAILY TRUST.
