Borno State Commissioner of Justice and State Attorney General, Barrister Hauwa Abubakar
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Borno State Government has commended UNICEF for its tireless support and contributions to children in the state.
At a multi-stakeholder strategic workshop held at Pinnacle Hotel Banquet Hall in Maiduguri, the Borno State Commissioner of Justice and State Attorney General, Barrister Hauwa Abubakar, praised UNICEF’s efforts.
Barrister Abubakar said the collaboration between UNICEF and the state government has been instrumental in improving and protecting children’s social welfare status, particularly in the post-insurgency 10-year strategic transformation plan.
She highlighted the plan to establish a Children’s Justice Forum to ensure the implementation of the child law and transition of social and criminal justice for children in the state.
Barrister Abubakar emphasized the need for collaborative efforts and teamwork to ensure a successful framework and implementation of transitional justice for all, especially children. She solicited support for promoting and protecting the child law, which is crucial for the well-being and development of children in the state.
UNICEF Chief of Borno State Office, Dr. Tushar Rane, called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure the effective administration of transitional justice for children. He commended the state government for its efforts in promoting and protecting justice for children and acknowledged the support of other stakeholders in reviewing and implementing frameworks for transitional justice.
Dr. Rane pledged UNICEF’s continuous collaboration with the state government to improve and promote children’s protection, health, and justice. The Borno State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, assured continuous support and collaboration with UNICEF and other stakeholders to promote traditional justice for children.
The Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP Yusufu Lawal, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Charge of CID, WA Rure, reiterated the police command’s willingness to support and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure effective transitional justice for children.
Facilitators, including UNICEF Chief Child Protection Specialist, Mr. Ibrahim Essay, and UNICEF Protection Specialist, Nkiru Maduechesi, made presentations on various aspects of access to justice for children, including the Reimagine Justice for Children Agenda and the importance of synergy and coordination within the Child Protection system.
The workshop aimed to promote access to justice for children in contact with the law, whether as victims, alleged offenders, or for protective services. It also sought to co-construct work plans on key interventions that facilitate timely legal assistance to children and responses and modalities for child protection and justice.
