The Kogi State Government has commended the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Child Abuse, Jemilat Muhammed, for her commitment to protecting children and shaping the future of the younger generation through impactful programmes.
The commendation was given by the Special Adviser on Education, Abdullahi Abdulmalik, during the maiden edition of the Child Abuse Debate, which featured students from public secondary schools across Kogi Central of the state.
Abdulmalik said the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains committed to building a society of responsible children through quality and accessible education. He noted that the government has continued to provide a conducive learning environment, including the payment of examination fees for pupils and students in public primary and secondary schools.
According to him, in 2025 the state government renovated and constructed over 303 school infrastructures, provided 15,288 classroom furniture, trained more than 7,000 education facilitators, introduced modern teaching techniques, and ensured regular payment of salaries and pensions. He added that 30 per cent of the state budget has been allocated to education.
He further disclosed that the government paid ₦1,203,726,800 billion naira examination fees for thousands of pupils and students in 2025, adding that the figure has increased by 40 per cent in 2026 following the positive impact of removing school examination fees off the parents shoulders.
“The government is investing in education because children are the hope and future of Kogi State,” Abdulmalik said.
Also speaking, the House Leader of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Abdurazaq Suleiman, commended the convener of the debate and urged students to always listen to and obey their parents, stressing that parental guidance remains key to preventing abuse.
““Nobody loves you more than your parents. Nobody wishes you well more than your parents. There is no parent who wants their child to go astray or be abused in any form. As children, you must listen to your parents and obey their instructions to the letter,” he advised.
He further cautioned students to adhere strictly to instructions, especially when warned against visiting certain places, associating with certain friends, or engaging in activities that could expose them to abuse or violate their rights and bodies.
On the issue of abuse, Suleiman blamed some parents for failing in their responsibilities to properly train their children, noting that this often leads to abuse in adulthood. He called on communities and society at large to always speak out against abuse and urged the government to continue enforcing existing laws to punish offenders.
He assured that the State House of Assembly has enacted laws to ensure that perpetrators of child abuse face the full wrath of the law and pledged the lawmakers’ continued support for government policies aimed at protecting children.
The SSA on Social Investment, Abdulhamid Aminu Okene, cautioned students against indecent dressing, describing the trend as alarming. He urged parents, teachers, and guardians to provide proper guidance and discipline, stressing that no generation is beyond correction.
“Okene charged parents, teachers, and guardians to stop hiding under the notion of the “Gen Z generation,” stressing that every generation requires guidance, discipline, and proper upbringing.
“What is Gen Z? Today, students wear revealing clothes that may attract irresponsible individuals, and when abuse happens, we shy away from addressing the root causes. Parents must watch over their children, guide them on proper dressing and conduct in society. This will go a long way in reducing abuse,” he said.
His Royal Highness, Adams Baba Saleh, the Sariki Hausawa in EbiraLand advised young and adult to follow the teaching of their religion, being a Muslim or Christian, saying moderate dressing can prevent them from molestation and good character can be cherished by all
Earlier, the convener of the programme, Jemilat Muhammed, appreciated Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for the support given to her office, as well as the First Lady of Kogi State, Hajiya Sefinat Ododo, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Acharu Okpanachi, for their commitment to child protection and victim support.
She emphasized that child abuse, whether physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, or neglect, is a shared societal problem and called for collective action at all levels of government and within communities to protect children and ensure justice for victims.
“I passionately appeal for continued government support and collective action at all levels, from community leaders and local government chairmen to state and national lawmakers. Child abuse must remain an issue of urgent national concern,” .
“Agencies responsible for protecting children must be strengthened and empowered to develop effective strategies, while perpetrators must face firm and uncompromising consequences” She added
Speaking on behalf of schools, the Principal, Lawal Yusuf Lawal Yusuf Aworo, the Principal GDSS Ohueta and Chairman kogi Central ANCOPS commended the government for improved welfare for teachers and free education, but appealed for more school renovations, recruitment of teachers, and payment of leave bonuses.
Ten public secondary schools participated in the debate, with three schools emerging winners and receiving cash prizes of ₦500,000, ₦300,000, and ₦200,000 respectively. Other participants received writing materials and incentives.
Dignitaries at the event included Ex-Special Adviser to Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello, Muktar Bello, Senior Government Officials, School Administrators, Chief Education Officer (CEO), A O Ahmed, TSC Staff, Teachers, Students, the SSA on Print Media to the Governor, Avoyi Nwogu and other SSAs.
The event also featured cultural displays by the women group.
