Ogun Gov’t laments rising child abuse
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State, Hon Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, has expressed worry over what she called rising cases of child abuse in the state. She spoke with newsmen in Abeokuta shortly after the Children Parliament session held at the floor of State House of Assembly. During the session, children […]
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State, Hon Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, has expressed worry over what she called rising cases of child abuse in the state.
She spoke with newsmen in Abeokuta shortly after the Children Parliament session held at the floor of State House of Assembly.
During the session, children parliamentarians drawn from various schools across the state debated, considered and passed resolution on a motion on “Putting an end to child abuse, neglect and exploitation in Ogun State.”
The resolution, according to them, was driven by the collective desire to safeguard the fundamental rights, dignity, and well-being of every child in the state, in line with both national legislation and international conventions on child protection.
The Children’s Parliament Speaker, Ezekiel Favour Olaoluwa, submitted a copy of the resolution to the Speaker of the State Assembly, Elemide Oludaisi, for further legislative actions.
Speaking after the session, the commissioner who observed the plenary session, said the children parliament also plays a significant role in the nation’s development.
She lamented that the abuse of children in the state is on the rise and called for correction of children with love not corporal punishment.
She said, “It’s so sad that child abuse has been on the increase. We are not saying parent should not beat or correct their children, but you correct your children with love, not corporal punishment.
“A situation whereby a parent is saying because my child misplaced N500, then such mother will now put a hot object on the child’s body 12 different times, situation whereby a mother will put fire under a child.
“Go to Kuto, Lafenwa, go to some of our markets, you would see child labour. A child who is supposed to be in school being used as child labour. Go to some of the mining areas, you would see child practices there.”
She, however, maintained the government’s zero tolerance for child labour and vowed that those found culpable would be dealt with under the law.