Ambode to punish perpetrators of violence against children

Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Friday said that perpetrators of physical, sexual or psychological violence against children would be punished in the state.

Ambode, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, said this at the 2016 International Children’s Day celebration organised by the state Ministry of Education.

The theme for this year’s celebration in Nigeria is: “Protect the rights of the child in the face of violence and insecurity: End child marriage.’’

The governor said that abuse against children such as rape of minors, kidnapping and child trafficking was becoming a norm in the society and
called for concern.

“Findings from Violence Against Children (VAC) survey shows that six of every 10 children under 18-years in Nigeria are being abused, especially by the people they refer to as family members.

“I assure you that we committed to ensuring that anyone who engages in any form of abuse against any child shall be dealt with under the law.

“We are currently demonstrating that in the case of those involved in the kidnap of students in Ikorodu. That criminal act will be brought to justice.

“I have also directed that adequate security be provided around all public and private schools to forestall a recurrence in any part of the state,’’ he said.

Ambode promised that his administration would continue to invest in the education and future of the children in the state.

In his remarks, Mr Adesina Odeyemi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, said that the day was set aside to celebrate childhood and the leaders of tomorrow.

Odeyemi urged stakeholders, parents and childcare givers to protect the rights of children and protect them from all forms of violence and abuses to prepare them for the future.

The highlight of the event held at the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, included march past, debate competition, award presentation, dance and drama.

The annual Children’s Day in Nigeria is celebrated every May 27 to honour children.

The Day was created as part of the efforts of the United Nation to protect children from long working hours and dangerous situations in the society.

It was also set aside to give every child the opportunity to acquire formal education.

Comments

Houthis Claim Attack on Central Israel in Response to Gaza ‘Massacres’

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has taken a concerning regional turn as the Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for an attack on central Israel. The group announced this as part of their escalating response to what they describe as "massacres" in Gaza amid the Israeli military’s operations in the strip. Details of the Attack The Houthis, a Shiite militant group with ties to Iran, declared that they launched missile and drone strikes targeting Israel. While the exact impact of these attacks remains unclear, reports suggest that Israel’s defense systems intercepted several threats over its airspace. This marks a significant escalation as the Houthis widen their involvement in the conflict beyond their typical operations within Yemen and neighboring Saudi Arabia. The Houthis’ Justification In their statement, the Houthis framed the attack as retaliation for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which they characterized as indiscriminate bombings resultin...

Fire: UniJos Senate convenes emergency meeting on Monday

Fire at the University of Jos Library University of Jos is to convene an emergency senate meeting on Monday to review the level of damage done to the institution by the Saturday night inferno. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sebastian Maimako, disclosed this on Sunday after inspecting areas affected by the incident. The fire, which lasted for more than six hours, destroyed the Library Complex that equally houses the faculties of management and social sciences. The fire also destroyed examination scripts, books and very crucial materials. Consequently, the vice-chancellor said “the Senate will meet tomorrow (Monday) to take a decision about the unmarked examination scripts that were burnt.” On the cause of the inferno, Maimako said investigation had commenced, adding that “nothing has been confirmed yet. We are still investigating.” The vice chancellor said the school was already working with federal authorities toward establishing a main fire station since the mini fire station in t...

NDLEA arrests 252 suspects, seizes 3,073 kg Indian hemp

NDLEA operatives The NDLEA in Niger on Monday said that it had arrested 252 suspects and seized 3,073.9 kilogramme of Indian hemp(cannabis sativa) in the state. The NDLEA Commander in the state, Mr Joseph Iweajunwa, who disclosed this in Minna, said that the operations were carried out between January and September. “Our operations in Niger State from January to September 2016 led to the arrest of 252 suspects and seizure of 3,073.997 kilogramme of cannabis sativa,’’ he said. Iweajunwa said that within the period, the agency also seized 1, 530 litres of liquid drugs, especially cough syrup with codeine. He said the NDLEA also counselled and rehabilitated 90 drug addicts in the state within the period under review. The agency, he added, secured convictions of only nine of the suspects because the judge at the Federal High Court, Minna, went on leave. “ Now that the judge has resumed more suspects will be tried,’’ he said. He advised motorists, especially commercial vehicle dri...

Global Naija Info

Search This Blog