Immediately following the inauguration and training of the Benue State Child Protection Network (BnSCPN), July 27-28, 2011, the State Child Protection Network's first assignment was to collaborate with the UNICEF team led by Mrs Nneka Oguagha and the Benue State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (MWASD) on a courtesy call on the Chief Judge of the State to advocate for the establishment of the Family Court, as provided for by the Child’s Rights ACT, 2003. BnSCPN is committed to doing all that is necessary in the interest of promoting and protecting the rights of Nigerian children in Benue State and collaborating with other State CPNs and relevant stakeholders to do same across the country. Thank you Nathaniel Msen Awuapila Chairman, BnSCPN

1. REPORT ON COURTESY CALL TO THE CHIEF JUSTICE OF STATE BY BENUE STATE CHILD PROTECTION NETWORK (BN.CPN), MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT(MWASD) AND UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN EMMERGENCY FUND(UNICEF) HELD AT THE CONFERENCE HALL OF BENUE STATE HIGH COURT ON THE 29TH JULY, 2009.<br />The meeting with Chief Justice of Benue State started by 8:40am, introduction was done in line with the various groups that were present in the meeting.<br />After introduction, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development started with an opening speech, in her speech, she gave an overview of Child Rights Law in the State pointing out her position as the Chairman of the Committee in the State, she further informed the Chief Justice that, Committee has been trained by UNICEF and a Child Protection Network has been established in the State with the support of UNICEF. As a request, the Permanent Secretary stressed the need for State Judiciary to establish a Family Court for children, hence that would enable implementation of Child Rights Law in the State. On the same issue, she informed the Chief Justice that, a proposal has been written and forwarded to UNICEF for the training of personnel that would work in the family court.<br />Upon completion of the speech of the Permanent Secretary, UNICEF focal person Nneka Oguagha, gave an overview of Child Rights ACT from the international to National and State level. She went further to appreciate Benue State for domestication of the CRA, and appealed for the establishment functional structures for ease of implementation of the CRL, especially the establishment of Family Court in the State. She assured the Chief Justice of UNICEF commitment to support the implementation of CRL in the state, in this light, by commitment, she expressed UNICEF’s willingness to train the personel of the Family Court. A child Rights Advocate from UNICEF, Bar. Vitalis Ekwem added that, the procedure for establishment of the Family Court is enshrined in the CRA and the CRL. He handed over the precise literature on the establishment and management of family court as stated in the CRA and CRL to the Chief Justice of the Federation.<br />In his remarks, the Chief Justice of the State appealed to the team that, he was unable to meet with them on two scheduled visits due to official engagements beyond his control. He said that it has been their intentions to set up a family court, but the intention has not been achieved because of certain challenges. The challenges he said were that, there was provision made in the budget previously, and he would ensure that is done in the next budget for the year, he would forward a request on the issue to the Governor so that a Family Court will be established.<br />Vote of thanks was given by the CPN Chairman, he appealed to Chief Justice of the State to localise the CRL in Tiv and Idoma to enable a wider coverage in the state most especially in the rural areas. He also, requested the Chief Justice to liaise with NAPTIP to make their laws available to the Network and other relevant stakeholders. He also requested same for the CRL.<br />Attendance in the meeting was as follows:<br />From BnCPN;<br />Nathaniel Awuapila –Chairman<br />Josephine Habba- Vice Chairman<br />Doki Samuel Terungwa –Secretary<br />Bar. Mrs Amine Debbie – Assistant Secretary<br />Mrs Grace Atim Nguveren –Financial Secretary<br />Bar. Mrs Magareth Atu –Legal Adviser<br />From MWASD;<br />Mrs Judith –Permanet Secretary<br />Mrs Veronica Ashiekaa –Director Child<br />Mrs Ann Yaji –UNICEF Desk Officer.<br />From UNICEF;<br />Bar, Mrs Nneka Oguagha –Child specialist<br />Bar. Mrs Amaka-<br />Bar. Mr Vtalis Ekem-Child Rights Advocate.<br /> <br />At the Chief Justice office;<br />Mr Iorhmen Hwande-Chief Justice of Benue State.<br />Edwin Ariri Esq-Chief Registrar<br />Mrs Theresa Shija-Director Litigation<br />Mrs Josephine Ayua<br />Mr Stephen Audu- Director Admin.<br />Mrs Anthony Shawon-Director Planning, Research and Statistics<br />Mr Daniel Penda- Director Finance.<br />