Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Stakeholders in Edo State have called for stronger and coordinated efforts to protect children from abuse, neglect, exploitation and other vulnerabilities that expose them to streetism.
The call was made during a sensitisation programme on the Child Rights Law of Edo State, organised by a consortium of three organisations led by SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, with support from the European Union (EU).
The programme brought together traditional and religious leaders, women and youth-led organisations, government agencies and security institutions to deepen participants’ understanding of the law and promote more effective implementation.
Speaking at the event, Solomon Adoga, Programme Manager, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), said public awareness of the law was essential to its effective implementation.
“Implementation of the law is equally dependent on how widely the people of the state are aware of the existence of the law and its provisions,” he said.
Adoga urged stakeholders to take the knowledge gained to their communities, religious organisations and various constituencies.
He also urged parents to take greater responsibility for the welfare of their children, noting that child protection must begin within the family.
“Parents have a duty of care to their children,” Adoga said, urging families to provide children with love, education, healthcare, supervision and protection.
He further called on the government to strengthen child protection institutions and enforcement, while urging traditional and religious leaders, schools, security agencies and civil society organisations to play their respective roles.
Adoga acknowledged that efforts had been made to address child protection concerns but said implementation remained below the desired level.
“At the end of the day, it requires collective effort. That is why everybody’s hand must be on deck,” he said.
He stressed that the Child Rights Law must move beyond the pages of legislation to practical action that protects vulnerable children.
He said the real measure of success would be fewer cases of child abandonment and abuse, stronger family support, improved access to education and healthcare, and better protection for children at risk.
“A child’s place should not be on the street. Protecting children is not the responsibility of government alone; it is a collective responsibility.”
Speaking on the topic, “The Roles of Stakeholders in Implementing the Law,” Mrs. Onebamoi Eseosa Igbinoba said parents must consider what is in the best interest of a child before making decisions that would impact their lives.
Mrs. Igbinoba, a Gender and Social Development Specialist, further maintained that every child deserves equal protection, opportunities and access to their rights, regardless of family background, social status, religion or circumstances of birth.
She said children should have access to healthcare, education, safety and healthy relationships while being protected from discrimination and harmful environments.
She added that children should also be encouraged to participate in family and community activities, express their views and engage with community leaders.
The Gender and Social Development Specialist added that parents, communities and stakeholders must create safe, supportive and inclusive environments where every child can survive, develop, participate and live free from discrimination.
She highlighted four key areas of child rights: survival, development, protection and participation.
For the Executive Director of Connected Advocacy, Prince Israel Orekha, Nigerians must understand and support the implementation of the re-enacted Child Rights and Child Protection Laws.
He said everyone, including market women, traditional and religious leaders, and civil society organisations, has a role to play in educating communities and ensuring that every child is protected and enjoys their rights.
