Governor Abdullahi Adamu has inaugurated the Nasarawa State Children’s Parliament which is composed of children from across the state. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Governor Adamu stated that if the children could be taught to imbibe the virtues of democracy, then the future was bring for democracy in Nigeria.

According to Governor Adamu, democracy has had a chequered history in Nigeria as attempts at institutionalizing the democratic culture in the country has always been truncated by military coups and counter-coups. However, through experience, it has become quite clear that democracy is the most sustainable form of government which is able to articulate the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian people consequent on which the political class in Nigeria have resolved to ensure that the democratic culture is imbibed and established in the country.

The Children's Parliament aims at providing sustainable and meaningful opportunities for the children of Nasarawa state to engage in local, national and international democratic processes. Using a variety of creative approaches, the children will use the parliament to inform and educate other children and adults, including their parents, teachers, representatives of the private sector, officers of local and state governments, local and national politicians about their issues and concerns. Governor Adamu said that though the parliament has no force of law, it will help leaders to develop a consciousness of issues that affect children.

Speaking earlier, the speaker of the children’ parliament, Master Abisabo thanked the Government and people of Nasarawa state for supporting the creation of the children’s parliament, pledging that the children will use the opportunity granted to them to advance democracy and good governance. He said that early participation in the democratic process will enable them imbibe the democratic culture which is good for the sustenance of democracy in the country.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the deputy governor, Labaran Maku; first lady of Nasarawa state, Hajia Khadija Adamu and a host of top government officials.