Child Protection: NGO Harps on Grassroots Sensitisation 

By Fadekemi  Ajakaiye

As a way of curbing  the rising case of insecurity and abuse of children’s right in the society, a Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, Live Abundantly 

Empowerment Initiative has stressed the need for engagement and enlightenment of the masses, especially the minors, to win the fight against the raging scourge. 

The founder of the organisation, Dr. Ama Onyerinma, stated this  at a day sensitisation programme on community security and child protection hosted by the NGO in collaboration with Kosofe  School Based Management Committee Council of School Chairman, SBMC, in Lagos. 

Onyerinma who frowned at the frequent incidence of child kidnapping  and ritual activities in the country stated that a programme of such was necessary to familiarise target victims, mainly the minors with strategies and ways of criminals as well as to teach them their rights so as to know the  steps to take when being infringed upon. 

“The children need to be taught how they can protect themselves against all forms of abuse and violence. They need to speak and share information to help in this advocacy, they have to know organisations that focuses and fight against sexual abuse and seek protections of children and women, ” she said.

Citing the declaration of the right of a child as adopted by the United Nations, she stated  that every child  had the right to be protected, educated, access good health care, shelter and nutrition.