Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has warned parents and the society against practices that can be inimical to the lives of Nigerian children.
He gave the warning at the commemoration of Children’s Day Celebration in Akure, the Ondo state capital, noting that the country would soon have a special line where children could make distress call for prompt intervention.
He promised that his administration would ensure that key role players in the state’s Child Justice Administration are given the required professional training to provide the necessary child protection service delivery in the state.
Also, they would not refrain from carrying out expected responsibilities towards children and the citizens of Ondo State.
His words: “There is no denying the fact that at all times and especially during economic recession and conflict situations, children suffering and need protection against violence abuse, injustice and other forms of deprivation more than ever before.
“No government can therefore afford to abandon children related issues as today’s youths are future citizens, leaders and drivers of the various sectors of the society.
“That is why the persistent global increase in the reported cases of violence and abuse of children had continued to be a matter of concern to government and institutions are various levels,” he said.
He appealed to parents and guardians to take parenthood responsibilities serious while teachers, caregivers and other handlers of children should ensure that they handle children under their care with love, and not violence.
He also urged members of the organised private sector to contribute to child development programmes as part of corporates social responsibilities to the various communities where they operated.
Akeredolu enjoined the children to start developing leadership potentials by cultivating their right attitude towards obedience, humility, respect and hard work as well as avoidance of bad peer groups.
Earlier, Mrs Funmilayo Osundolire, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, said the day remained important as it draws attention of government at all levels and society at large to prevailing issues on children.
“Equally, the children eagerly anticipate the day as it affords them the opportunity to engage in social activities arranged to mark the celebration at the national, state and local levels.
“It also allows them to come together in relatively large groups to socialize and share experiences thereby broadening their horizon,” she said.
She further urged the children to listen to teachers instructions and other officiating officers at the event.
For the secondary school category in the march past, Fiwasaye Girls Grammar School, Akure, came in first position, Aquinas College, Akure, came second while Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure was in third position.
Day Spring Nursery and Primary School, Akure came first, SUBEB Model Primary School, Akure came second while Elemuletu Primary School, Akure, came in third place for the Nursery/Primary school category.
The Local Government category had Akure South Local Government in first position, Ondo West Local Government in second place while Owo Local Government came third.
