Schoolchildren in Gombe State have urged the state government and parents to take decisive measures to address child begging and hawking, practices they say hinder children’s access to education and future opportunities.

This appeal was made during an advocacy visit to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development as part of activities marking the 2024 World Children’s Day, supported by UNICEF Bauchi Field Office on Friday.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Wisdom Peter emphasized the need for accessible and bullying-free education. “In societies where education is accessible, there is great hope for the future. We urge support for free education from primary to junior secondary levels, and subsidies for senior secondary and tertiary education,” he said. Peter also called for the introduction of transportation services for schoolchildren, adding, “This can be done in partnership with local government chairmen.”

Ramlat Ahmed, a student of Ilimi International School Gombe, expressed concern about children forced into hawking and begging, highlighting the impact on their education. “Some parents deny their children education, forcing them to hawk or beg. These children deserve the same educational opportunities as everyone else,” she said.

Responding, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Asma’u Iganus, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to free education and outlined plans to provide school buses for safer transportation. She also highlighted the forthcoming implementation of the Child Protection Law to address violence against children.

Iganus encouraged the children to focus on their studies and acquire vocational skills to become productive members of society. “Education combined with skills will make you innovative and prepared for the future,” she stated.