Okowa Decries Growing Cases of Child Abuse in Nigeria

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has on the occasion of this year’s Children Day in Nigeria, strongly condemned the increasing cases of various child abuse in the society, charging parents and responsible members of the society to show more interest in providing safer environment for proper growth and development of the child.

He noted that the different abuses children are being subjected often leave lasting physical, mental or psychological scar, which ultimately rebounds on the society in diverse and devastating ways.

The governor charged parents, teachers and other caregivers to pay greater attention to the well being of children as well as ensure the protection and promotion of child rights in our society.

According to Okowa, “We must all condemn in strong terms the worrisome level of abuse against children in the society today ranging from rape, defilement, sexual exploitation, cultism, child trafficking, child labour, to mention a few. The situation calls for more concerted efforts of all and sundry to take proactive measures and increase the consciousness of providing safe and very secure spaces for our children to grow up in the midst of genuine and selfless love, care and attention.

“I wish to appeal to all duty bearers to actively promote the ideals of the Childs Rights Law, bearing in mind that we are accountable to God on how we discharge our obligations to our children, knowing very well that our future as a state and country, will be defined by the quality of today’s children.”