Posted by By Kazeem Ugbodaga on
At least 1,000 pupils and students drawn from various public schools in Lagos state, this morning, marched against child abuse in the country.
At least 1,000 pupils and students drawn from various public schools in Lagos state, this morning, marched against child abuse in the country.
The children marched from Ikeja Local Government Council, on Obafemi Awolowo Way, to the Lagos State Government Secretariat, distributing fliers and abridged copies of the child rights law to members of the public.
The exercise caused a heavy traffic on the ever busy road this morning, as the children marched, chanting anti-child abuse songs. The march is part of activities by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), to mark this year's World Day Against Child Abuse, which kicks-off tomorrow.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Adejoke Adefulire-Orelope, during the march, told P.M. News that it is time to say no to child abuse, which is very rampant in the country. She said the rights of the child must be protected at all cost by government, parents, guardians and members of the society at large.
Adefulire-Orelope stated that children have the right to education, self expression, right not to be victimised and right to development. 'Parents should not abuse the rights of the child. All school-age children must be in school. All children must have a copy of the child rights law.
'Government is protecting the rights of the child by providing free education, free text books and good health to all school children. 'We are at the forefront to ensure that their rights are protected. We say no to child rape, sexual abuse and others,' she stated.
Director, Child Development, WAPA, Mrs. Elizabeth Taiwo, said about 1,000 children were taking part in the protest march against child abuse, which is now rampant in the society. She stressed the need for all to rise up against sexual abuse in children, which she said is on the increase, adding that a workshop will be held tomorrow, to mark the World Day Against Child Abuse.