Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Daisi Elemide, has charged children in the state to remain focused on their goals and avoid distractions, declaring that ambition and perseverance can turn youthful dreams into reality.

Elemide gave the charge on Wednesday while hosting members of the 5th Ogun State Children’s Parliament after their plenary sitting at the Assembly complex in Abeokuta.

The Speaker revealed that his aspiration to lead the House began in 1978, when, as a 14-year-old student in Ibadan, he was inspired by political icons such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo and freedom fighters Mrs. Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Rev. Israel Ransome-Kuti.

“I was your age when I started dreaming, I pursued it, and God allowed it to be fulfilled,” Elemide told the young legislators. “So don’t take the opportunity you have for granted. I am here today; it could be your turn tomorrow.”

Elemide praised the Children’s Parliament for their “brilliant performance” and pledged that the House would examine their resolution on tackling child abuse, with some proposals likely to be incorporated into an existing bill.

In a communiqué signed by its Speaker, Favour Ezekiel of Ifo, the Parliament urged the state government and stakeholders to urgently strengthen laws, enforcement, and inter-agency collaboration to eliminate child abuse, neglect, trafficking, and exploitation.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, said the Children’s Parliament was designed to instill governance culture in young people and give

them a platform to voice concerns on issues affecting them. She reaffirmed Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to safeguarding children’s welfare.

The 5th Children’s Parliament, which draws members from across the state, serves as a forum for young representatives to debate and recommend solutions to issues affecting children in Ogun State.