Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare and education of children, describing it as the most vital investment for the state’s future.

Speaking at the Government House when he received the Enugu State Children’s Parliament, led by Speaker Miss Chimamanda Amobi, Mbah reiterated his zero-tolerance stance on all forms of child abuse, including child marriage, sexual exploitation, child labour, and trafficking.

Highlighting his government’s investment in education, the governor revealed that over 30% of the state’s budgets for 2024, 2025, and 2026 have been dedicated to education. He described children as the “tomorrow” of Enugu State and stressed that policies, projects, and resources are designed to prepare them for future success.

“Free quality education is the right of our children. We are not doing them any favour. In Enugu, we provide 12 years of free education—from school uniforms and writing materials to one nutritious meal daily,” he said.

Governor Mbah also emphasised the state’s Smart Green Schools initiative, which combines educational excellence with health and wellbeing. Each school includes clinics to track immunisations from age three, nutritious daily meals, ICT hubs, e-libraries, and training in emerging technologies such as robotics, AI, virtual and augmented reality, and mechatronics.

He encouraged children to uphold values of honesty, fairness, humility, and respect for God, warning that offenders involved in any form of child abuse would face prosecution.

Speaker Amobi praised Governor Mbah’s efforts, commending the establishment of Smart Schools, the Disability Commission, free meals, and the training of social workers for child protection, describing him as a “child-friendly governor.”

The children were accompanied by Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Nkechinyere Ewoh, and UNICEF Nigeria Communications Officer, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe.