By Chigozie Uzosike
As the children celebrate in the 36 states and 774 local government councils that make up Nigeria, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Group, Hon. Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu has cautioned against child abuse and rape.
Speaking on this year’s theme “Unite to reverse the impact of Covid 19 pandemic on children”, Lady Ugwu noted that this year’s theme takes into consideration the place of Imo child in unity to reverse the Covid 19 impact especially on their education and safety.
“The theme is exceptionally unique as it highlights the principles of the convention of the rights of the child, that all children irrespective of their status and situation should enjoy their right to survival and development as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the child right act”.
“In Imo state, it could be said that a lot of improvement has been made over the years on the area of encouraging and protecting children, girl child education. It is on record that as a result of the tremendous support of the wife of the governor, Her Excellency, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Vulnerable Group has successfully handled over 30 cases ranging from defilement, child abuse, rape among others.”
She posited that “The ministry has insisted on strict compliance of the laws in all agencies and homes that handle children. Under the 3R administration of His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, we have embarked upon well thought out programmes geared towards the well being of Imo child in spite of the dreaded Covid 19 pandemic”.
She used the opportunity of this year’s celebration to call on all stakeholders, parents, guardians, teachers, caregivers, religious leaders and government at all levels, to always uphold the fundamental human rights of children, adding that they should pay attention especially on the girl child with the increasing incidences of child defilement.
She urged parents and guardians to increase surveillance around their children and try as much as possible to educate them on acts that could constitute abuse.
Lady Ugwu lauded the wife of the governor, Her Excellency, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma for her support in ensuring that the children of Imo State are well taken care of, while commending the governor Hope Uzodinma for providing enabling environment for protection of children to thrive.
