In an attempts to end the growing trend of all form of child abuse in Lagos State, the Ministry of Youth and Social Development (MYSD), National Council of Child Rights Advocates Nigeria (NACCRAN), members of the Child Protection Network (CPN) and other bodies, participated in a walk to flag off the campaign aimed at raising the consciousness of the public to the existence of Child Rights and its provision. The Walk, which held on Tuesday 11th February 2020 commenced at 9am from LTV8 Agidingbi with over 200 people in attendance and ended at 12pm at the Lagos House, Ikeja. This was led by Her Excellency, Dr, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwolu and supported by wife of the Deputy Governor, Honorable commissioner, COWSO and other CSOs. The walk started from LT8 Ikeja at 9:05 am with over 200 people in attendance.
The First Lady speaking with journalists reiterated that the walk affirms the commitment of the government to ensure the attainment of the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) of eradicating all forms of child abuse and molestation. According to her, it is high time children speak out when they are molested and to achieve this lofty vision, proper channels have been put in place to address any or all forms of abuse. She encouraged victims of these acts to open up to necessary authorities noting that the government will take up such issues. Therefore, she charged all Lagosians to support and defend the right of the children, speak out when they notice or see a child hawking between the hours of 8am and 3pm, or undergoing emotional physical or sexual abuse
Also speaking at the walk, Mr. Segun Dawodu, Honorable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development encouraged the collaboration and cooperation of all concerned, teachers, religious leaders, security forces, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to further confront the vices of child molestation and abuses. According to him the Lagos state government has zero-tolerance to Child Abuse and efforts have been put in place to eradicate all forms of child abuse and molestation.
As a member of the Child Protection, the Ovie Brume was represented at the Walk and affirms her commitment to ensuring the protection of all children against all forms of abuse. The Ovie Brume Foundation’s Youth Centre is host to over 30 public primary and secondary schools in Lagos and Delta states and implements projects in line with Child Protections Rights. Also, the Lagos State Government has in place several legal and social policy frameworks to protect the rights of all children.
