Kogi Govt Lament increase rate of violence against children

Despite the policy and legal measures put in place, the Kogi State Governor, Capt Idris Wada has described as unfortunate the increased form of violence against children in the country.

The State Governor, Capt Idris Wada stated this at this years children's day celebration, with the theme" violence against children: Addressing the Challenges; lamented the rate of rape, defilement and sexual exploitation and child labour.

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi also lamented the unavailability of national data on violence against children which he noted has posed a major challenge to the efforts of government and other stakeholders to ensuring adequate protection of children.

The Governor however note as heartwarming the efforts by the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan at generating accurate and reliable data on violence against children in partnership with UNICEF and Centre for disease prevention and control.

The governor lamented the destruction caused by insurgency and deliberate violence against children in the country, and particularly lamented the kidnap of over 200 Chibok girls, appealed to the incoming administration to do the country proud by building on the efforts and resolve by the Present administration of President Jonathan to bring back Chibok girls and others to their families.

The Governor disclosed that ending violence against children is a national call, urged for a redoubled efforts in finalizing the draft sector response plan of action on violence against children which he noted will holistically address violence, focus on priority activities that will promote healthy lives, high quality education, combating HIV AIDs and protecting children from other abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The governor called for good governance at all levels towards promoting the rights of children for optimal development and congratulated children of the state for yet another celebration of Children day.

The governor noted that his administration has laid a foundation for the protection of children, said increased consciousness of the distinctive rights of children has been witnessed in the last three years, commended the Ministry of Women Affairs for coming up the theme for this years event as he said it will create more opportunity to strategies on ways of promoting a protective and violence free environment for children.

While noting that the present administration recognizes children as future leaders, Capt Wada said efforts is continuously been made to guarantee their future, describing them as the solid foundation upon which the strength and future of any society can be laid.

In a remarks at the event, wife of the Kogi State Governor, Hajia Halimat Wada, said the place of children in National development cannot be over looked, lamented that this segment of the nation's population is becoming endangered species largely because the are exposed to violent environment at home and in public places.

The wife of the governor called for stiffer penalties for vices that plague the growth and development of children, urged parents and all stakeholders on the need to be mindful of issues that constitute violence against children.

In her welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, commended the contributions of the state government in the development of education and other child related programmes geared towards securing the future of the children and commended the administration for placing emphasis on protecting the rights of children in the state.

Highlights of this years event was match past by school children and voluntary agencies, drama presentation, fashion parade and talks on this year's theme " violence against children: Addressing the Challenges; as well as presentation of prizes to winners in different categories of the event participated by children and schools.