Africa-Press – Nigeria. Children in Ogun State have demanded an end to child abuse, neglect and exploitation of various forms across the state.
The children made the appeal on Wednesday, during a plenary session by 5th Children’s Parliament held at the State House of Assembly, Oke-Mosan.
Opening the debate, Farida Olushola, representing Ijebu-Ode Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, called for an eradication of abuses of all sort, highlighting that while they remain leaders of tomorrow and the future of the country, having a bad foundation can have a great effect on them.
She called for love, protection, care and emotional support to make them grow into healthy and thriving adults.
The house presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Olaoluwa, deliberated extensively on the urgent need for the State Government and other concerned stakeholders to strengthen measures aimed at preventing and eradicating all forms of child abuse.
During the deliberation, the Children Parliament commended the state government’s proactive interventions and ongoing investment in child welfare, education, and protection programmes, but expressed deep concern over the rising cases of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of children, as well as incidents of child labour, trafficking, and neglect.
The Honourable House resolved that the State Assembly should charge the government and other concerned stakeholders to, as a matter of urgency, implement comprehensive policies, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and foster multi-agency collaboration aimed at preventing abuse and exploitation.
Responding, the Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, after receiving copies of the resolution, assured the children that whatever could be translated and incorporated would be done accordingly.
Elemide urged the children to remain good ambassadors of their parent, school and state, saying “they should be given the opportunity or chance to express themselves, which they did today. I personally, I’m impressed and want them to keep it up.
“They have told us they are against child abuse and we all must yield to their call that child abuse should be henceforth stopped in Nigerians”.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, lamented that the abuse of children in the state is on the rise and called for correction with love not corporal punishment.
“Child abuse has been on the increase. We are not saying parents should not beat or correct their children, but you correct your children in love, not corporal punishment of putting hot items on the child.
“Go to Kuto, Lafenwa market you will see child labor. A child who is supposed to be in school has been used. Even in mining areas.
“That is why the motion of today is very important, and I am glad they have submitted it to the House of Assembly,” he said.
For More News And Analysis About Nigeria Follow Africa-Press
