Ramlat Ahmed, 16, Becomes Speaker of Gombe Children’s Parliament

In a landmark event for youth empowerment in Gombe State, 16-year-old Ramlat Ahmed, a senior secondary science student at Ilimi School, was sworn in as Speaker of the Children’s Parliament on Monday.

The event also saw 14-year-old Christopher Ngale appointed Deputy Speaker, alongside 10 other principal officers who will guide the seventh assembly’s activities.

The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development’s Conference Hall, was attended by government dignitaries, legislative officials, and advocates for child rights. Aminu Aliyu, Principal Legislative Officer at the House of Assembly, urged the young lawmakers to embrace their roles with dignity and responsibility: “You are to see yourselves as ambassadors of other children; you must carry yourselves in a manner that reflects the responsibilities of your offices.”

Modi Shelpidi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, highlighted the importance of reinstating the Children’s Parliament, which had been dormant since 2022. “This assembly will go a long way in advancing not only children’s rights but also broader issues concerning women,” he emphasized.

Gabriel Galadima, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, pledged ongoing mentorship and support for the young parliamentarians, encouraging them to seek assistance whenever needed.

Commissioner Asma’u Iganus lauded Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s unwavering commitment to child welfare, pointing to his approval of key laws protecting children and vulnerable persons. She described the inauguration as “a historic and auspicious occasion” that empowers youth to engage meaningfully in governance and legislative processes. Iganus called on the young leaders to champion children’s rights and urged all stakeholders to create a safe, supportive environment for children.

Ahead of Children’s Day on May 27, the Ministry’s team, led by Commissioner Iganus, visited orphanages across the state, distributing relief materials to children at Al-Guh, Da’awah, Gombe House of Hope, and Destiny Kids Orphanage, reinforcing the government’s commitment to vulnerable children.