Ambode’s wife, others condemn violence against Children
Ambode’s wife, others condemn violence against Children
-Odunayo Ajani
Ambode’s wife, others condemn violence against Children
The Wife of Lagos State governor Mrs. Bolanle Ambode yesterday condemned the act of violence against children and called for holistic actions on eradicating violence against minors.
Speaking at an event organized by the State Ministry for Youth and Social Development in commemoration of the African Child at the Combo Hall of Lagos Television (LTV 8), Ikeja, Mrs Ambode, represented by Mrs Kemi Durosinmi-Etti, called on stakeholders to ensure that children are protected from all forms of violence to ensure a safe society.
She said: ‘’States are enjoined to live up to their obligations to protect children both in war and peace times and to ensure that they build societies that are just and peaceful for all, especially children.
‘’Other forms of violence negatively impacting on children’s growth and development occur through customary practices and the administration of corporal punishment in private and public spaces in the guise of tradition and discipline. Children make up about half of the population in the society; as such if children suffer from violence, all of the society suffers the consequences of violence against children and other children’s rights violation. In the same vein, the protection of children’s rights contributes to the wellbeing, security, and progress of the larger society.’’
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf also emphasized the commitment of the government to the protection of children.
‘’The Child Development Department in the Ministry of Youth and Social Development has been equipped by the state government to ensure and protect the rights of children in various ways, such as organisation of different programmes aimed at enlightening the public on various ways to protect children’s right. As I speak, the Lagos State Government as a responsible government has in place several legal and social policy frameworks that will ensure the protection of rights of children at every stage in life. It is off point to note that Lagos State as pacesetter and centre of excellence is the first in the Federation to adopt and domesticate the Child Right Law in 2007″.
Prof Obashoro John, a child development expert, also implored parents, teachers, students and the government to play key roles in the protection of children from violence and other deprivations.
He said.
‘’We know that most parents are struggling with so many things, especially now that the prices of food items have gone up, but they should endeavour to create time to attend to the needs of their children. Government too should provide a conducive learning environment for children to excel in their studies, while both the teachers and children should take their jobs and their studies seriously.”
The event finally ended with a debate which saw Miss Blessing Samuel, a student of Omole Senior Secondary school clinching the top prize.
