The Association for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Nigeria (AONN), in collaboration with the Child Protection Network (CPN) and the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), has sensitized students of Army Day Secondary School, Lokoja, on child rights and the need to speak out against abuse.
Speaking during the sensitization programme held as part of activities marking Children’s Day celebration, the Kogi State Coordinator of AONN, HRH Zico Onuche Isaac, said the rights of children are protected under relevant laws and must not be violated.
The coordinator, who was represented by the Secretary of AONN, Comrade Reuben Joshua, explained that the group decided to celebrate with the students in their school to strategically educate them on issues affecting children.
“Today, we are here on a different dimension. We are here to educate the children on their rights as enshrined in the Child Rights Act,” he said.
According to him, many children are unaware of their rights, thereby making them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
He listed some of the rights to include the right to education, shelter and quality healthcare, stressing that children must not be forced into early marriage or denied access to education.
Joshua also urged the students to report any form of abuse to the appropriate authorities, noting that keeping children at home as house helps or engaging them in hawking during school hours should be discouraged.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development, (PIBCID), Racheal Remilekun Akande called on civil society organisations, stakeholders and government agencies to work together to reduce gender-based violence across the state.
“The fight against gender-based violence must be the collective responsibility of everyone. We all have mothers, sisters and daughters; therefore, the problem affects all of us,” she said.
Akande noted that the visit was also aimed at seeking the support and collaboration of teachers and other stakeholders in addressing gender-based violence in schools and public places.
She encouraged students to always report cases of abuse or violence for prompt action.
In her remarks, Pastor Roseline Omowumi Alabi advised the students to take personal hygiene seriously and promptly report any form of gender-based violence against them.
Barrister Liliana Okolo of the Child Protection Network urged the students to be responsible and carry out their duties to their parents, teachers and society.
“We are expecting a positive change in behaviour from the children after this sensitization programme,” she stated.
The Principal of Army Day Secondary School, Lokoja, Salami Moses Yahaya, commended the organisations for the initiative and advised the students to put the lessons learnt into practice in their daily lives.