Ogun State Fifth Children’s Parliament, Wednesday, passed a resolution calling for urgent action to end child abuse, neglect and exploitation in the state.
The Chairperson, House Committee on Women Affairs, Miss Farida Olusola (Ijebu Ode Children Constituency), moved the motion calling for an end to the phenomenon during a special plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, Ezekiel Olaoluwa (Ifo 1 Children Constituency).
Enock Makinde, representing Ado Odo Ota Children Constituency, seconded the motion.
Opening debate on the motion, Olusola said it is important for the state government and other concerned stakeholders to strengthen measures aimed at preventing and eradicating all forms of child abuse, neglect and exploitation.
She expressed deep concern over rising cases of physical, emotional and sexual abuse of children, as well as incidents of child labour, trafficking and neglect.
She said: “Children are the leaders of tomorrow, future of our country and foundation of our future.
“The future of Nigeria will be affected if some of her children are victims of child abuse.
“We all have to stand up, come together to ensure that this is eradicated.”
Contributing, Matilda Mudashiru (Abeokuta South) and Oreoluwa Olaleye (Abeokuta North) underscored the importance of safeguarding the rights, dignity and wellbeing of every child in the state.
They urged the Assembly to collaborate with the executive and concerned stakeholders in order to implement comprehensive policies, strengthen enforcement mechanisms and foster multi-agency collaboration aimed at preventing abuse and exploitation.
The Majority Leader, Teresa Ogu (Odeda Children Constituency), moved the motion for the adoption of the motion, which was seconded by Rosemary Ilori (Ijebu North Children Constituency).
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the Speaker of the Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, his Deputy, Lateefat Ajayi, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, observed the session.
In an interview, Elemide commended the children parliament, saying it has told the world what Ogun children want.
“Its resolution is against child abuse and we have heard the children loud and clear.”
Also speaking, Adeleye said the children parliament also play a role in the development of the country.
“If we truly want a country that we can all be proud to call ours, then, we need to start building the children to ensure that our future is in safe hands,” she said. NAN
