Akeredolu’s wife urges Child Rights Act implementation

The Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, said she would partner with relevant institutions in advocating the implementation of the Child Rights Act.

Akeredolu said this on Thursday in Akure in a message to the 10th Anniversary of the enactment of the Ondo State Child Rights Law.

The governor’s wife was represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Ajewole Ajayi.

She urged all stakeholders across the state to assist the government in protecting the rights of the child physically, emotionally and psychologically from any form of abuse.

Akeredolu said that anyone caught using children for immoral purposes, hawking, and trafficking would be sanctioned and prosecuted in the Family Court.

She appreciated the late Ondo State Gov., Dr Olusegun Agagu, for signing the Child’s Rights Act into law.

Akeredolu noted that the Act specified the rights of the child, duties of parents, government and care-givers.

“Ondo State Government, in recent years, has rendered services in consonance with the Child Rights Act, aimed at enabling every child to develop his or her talent and potential in a climate of peace, equality, and respect for human dignity.

“The present administration will strengthen its effort toward partnering with Non-Governmental Organisations, law enforcement agencies, community leaders, religious institutions as well as the media to advocate for the rights of the child in Ondo State,’’ she said.

In a remark, the Director, Child Department, Women Affairs and Social Development, Mr Oluwaniyi Ogunleye, said the Child Rights Act was enacted in the state on March 23, 2007, to protect the rights of children and assist them to develop and become responsible adults.

Newsverge reports that awards were presented to people who contributed to the enactment of the law, including a posthumous award to the late Agagu.