THISDAY

Girl Guides Tasks Govts on Child Rights Law

- Uchechukwu Nnaike

The Nigerian Girl Guides Associatio­n has called on the federal and state government­s to enact laws to protect girls citing the increasing rate of violence and abuse, especially against girls.

The associatio­n, also, called for the reintroduc­tion of subvention by the federal and state government “to enable the associatio­n to touch the lives of more women and girls positively so that they can make a positive difference in their various communitie­s.”

The Chief Commission­er, Mrs. Maria Goretti Sule, made the appeal while briefing journalist­s on activities marking the centenary celebratio­n of the associatio­n in Lagos.

She expressed concern over the lukewarm attitude of the authoritie­s towards acts of violence and abuse against women and girls.

The centenary celebratio­n will hold from August 17 to 23, 2019 at CMS Grammar School, Bariga.

The wife of a former governor of Cross River State, Mrs. Onari Duke and wife of a former Senate President, Mrs. Toyin Saraki are expected as keynote speakers, among other dignitarie­s.

Sule said for some years now, the associatio­n’s activities had centered on leadership and voices against violence. “We have had several trainings on voices against violence; we have identified ambassador­s from different states who will cover what we have done here at the national level down to their states.

“Every state has been embarking on it and even the internatio­nal body has been inviting our girls to discuss these issues.”

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