The Cross River State government, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, has launched the Cross River Education Marshals initiative to tackle the issue of street truancy among school-age children in the state capital.
This initiative, spearheaded by Ambassador Awatt Caleb Ekpeyong, Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Content, aims to partner with security agencies to enforce the Child Rights Act, ensuring that no child of school age is found on the streets during school hours.
The issue of street truancy has become a pressing concern in the state, with many children of school age roaming the streets during school hours. This has led to worries about their safety and future prospects. As Nelson Mandela aptly put it, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” UNICEF’ Sustainable Development Goal also emphasizes the importance of inclusive and equitable quality education.
The Cross River Education Marshals will work with the government and security agencies to identify and address the root causes of street truancy. Parents and guardians are being warned that any abuse of children’s right to education will not be tolerated by the government.
The initiative also aims to capture and repatriate non-indigenes of Cross River State who are loitering in the streets of Calabar, in a bid to maintain the tourist-friendly nature of the state.
To complement this effort, the Citizens Academy has been established to provide 100% scholarship to out-of-school children of Cross River origin. This initiative is a bold step towards ensuring that every child in the state has access to quality education and a brighter future.
Parents and guardians are advised to take note that the government will no longer tolerate any form of neglect or abuse of children’s right to education. The government is committed to ensuring that every child in the state receives the education they deserve, and those who fail to comply with this initiative will face the consequences.
