Abusers of child rights in any parts of Ikorodu Local Government will no longer go scot free, as the Council yesterday, inaugurated a 35-Man Child Rights Implementation Committee that would see to the protection and defense of children rights across the Council Area.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Council Auditorium, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Wasiu Adeshina stated that the Council is determined to work with the newly inaugurated committee as well as other partnering agencies to ensure that child rights abusers no longer go scot free.
He further noted that the inauguration of the Implementation Committee will put an end to the physical, sexual, emotional and psychological abuses of children in the Council.
‘Our government is committed to the protection of Child Rights and what we have done today is to inaugurate the Implementation Committee to ensure that no child falls victim of child abuse anymore’.
While appealing to parents and guardians to ensure that they protect the rights of children within their care, the Council boss equally advised children to be obedient to their parents and guardians.
Earlier, Coordinator of the Child Rights Protection Network in Ikorodu, Mrs Bukola Owokodu charged residents to take ownership of the Child Rights enforcement, noting that it takes an entire village to raise a child.
‘Our message to residents is that they should see something and say something regarding child rights abuse. They are free to report such cases anonymously and we will take it up from there. We have very good working relationship with the DPOs of all Police Stations across Ikorodu Division and we also provide free legal services for children pro bono through FIDA.
The Child Rights Act was passed into law in 2003 by the Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo and was enacted in the Lagos State House of Assembly, in 2007 with the agreement to establish Local Government Implementation Committees; through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development Implementation, in conjunction with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs under the initiative of ROLAC (Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Program).
The Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Program (ROLAC) initiative is funded by the European Union and is being implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.
Hon. Adesina enjoined members of the newly inaugurated Local Government Implementation Committee to make it a responsibility as parents, care-givers, guardians and elders in the society, to ensure that every Child’s Rights are protected.
Prominent among members of the newly inaugurated 35-Man Local Government Child Rights Implementation Committees (LGCRIC) are, the Vice Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, HOD Public Affairs, Mrs Essien Titilayo, Mrs Mariam Raheem, Baale of Ojogbe, Chief Kayode Olomo, Mr. Ajiboye Obafemi and Chairman, Parents Forum, Ikorodu Local Government, Comrade Jenrade.
Others are, the Secretary to Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Afinni Lateef, former CDC Chairman, Ikorodu LG, Alh. Sonibare Lukman and Iyaloja-General of Ikorodu Division, Chief Mrs. Busola Isikalu.
The list also includes, the APC Women Leader, Ikorodu Division, Alh. Rashida Bello, Hon. Mutiat Fatuga, Alh. Kamuju Ganiu, Henry Adenigba, Chief Sunmoni and Chairman, NYCN Ikorodu Local Government, Com. Ogunsanmi among others.
