In commemoration of Children’s Day celebration, the Special Assistant to the Cross River State Governor on Gender And Development has assured that government will continue to ensure that drastic responses and punitive measures are meted out on perpetrators of Sexual, Gender-Based Violence and Child Labour amidst the pandemic and beyond.
Traditionally, May 27 is set aside as Children’s Day in Nigeria. The day was first Established by the United Nations in 1964 and has since remained significant in the lives of children globally. As Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender and Developnent, i am particularly saddened by the unfortunate happenings around our children hence, the need to step up the campaign against Gender-based violence and child abuse in our society. To say that there is increase in cases of Sexual abuses, Gender-based violence and child labour is to say the least and this is worrisome.
Further more, i want to implore the law enforcement agencies to be more proactive in tackling issues of sexual abuses on women and children rather than being reactive. Let me also use this medium to admonish the general public to desist from acts capable of infringing on the rights of the Nigerian child with special emphasies on the girl child.
The Government of Cross River State under the proactive leadership of His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, The Executive Governor of Cross River State and his dear wife, Dr. Mrs Linda Ayade, The Amiable First Lady of Cross River State. will not rest on its oas in ensuring that henceforth, culprits are brought to book.
Also, Law enforcement agencies would not be quick to release perpetrators as such cases will be taken to court because doing so encourages them to continue to perpetrate the act with the mindset of “he can always get away with what he did”. As a government, we are poised to stop at nothing untill justice is served.
I totally condemn the increasing rate of violence, child labour and sexual abuses on children and call for all hands to be on deck so we can easily deal with this dangerous monster ravaging the lives of the girl and boy child alike, as it encompasses both sexes .
Finally, i want to appeal to parents and guardiance to take proper care of their children as not doing so will lead them astray, ultimately leaving the brunt of their negligence on the society to bear.
Our children are precious and the future of this country rest solely on them. Parents should therefore own up to their responsibilities as parents and strive to ensure good parenting and as well evaluate their parent-child relationship as this will hlep the children head in the right direction.
HAPPY CHILDREN’S DAY CELEBRATION TO ALL OUR CHILDREN IN CROSS RIVER STATE AND NIGERIA.
Signed:
Comr. Blessing Joseph Ekpo
SA To The Cross River State Governor On Gender And Development
📧 Crsgenderoffice@gmail.com