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From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State, Mrs. Motunrayo Adeleye, has expressed concerns over the rising cases of child abuse in the state.
Adeleye, while speaking with newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, shortly after the Children Parliament Session held at the floor of the state House of Assembly, called for correction of children with love and not with corporal punishment.
During the session, the young 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 within the state, in line with both national legislation and international conventions on child protection.
The Children’s Parliament Speaker, Ezekiel Olaoluwa, submitted a copy of the resolution to the Speaker of the State Assembly, Elemide Oludaisi, for further legislative actions.
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Speaking after the session, the commissioner observed that 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, instead of corporal punishment.
“It’s so sad that child abuse has been on the increase. We are not saying parents should not beat or correct their children, but you correct your children in love, not with corporal punishment.
“A situation where a parent is saying because my child misplaced N500, then such a mother will now put a hot object on the child’s body 12 different times; a situation where a mother will put fire under a child is not acceptable.
“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 labour practices there.”
She, however, reiterated the state government’s zero tolerance for child labour and vowed that those found culpable would be dealt with under the law.
