DON CALLS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF CHILD RIGHTS ACT

By NBF NEWS

A university lecturer, Okpo Ojah, has called for the enforcement of the Child Rights Act to check the frequent incidences of child abuse in the country. He also advocated for a private-public synergy in addressing issues concerning the less privileged.

Mr. Ojah, who lectures at the University of Calabar, made the call on Monday in Calabar while delivering a paper on 'Help The Needy' at a seminar organised by Laurel Childcare Outreach, a non governmental organisation.

He said the delay in the enforcement of the Act passed by the National Assembly in 2003 is unfortunate, adding that the delay amounts to government's disregard for children's welfare.

He also described as unfortunate, the prevailing situation where only eight states in the country had made laws on child rights.

The lecturer stressed that, beyond enacting the Act, all tiers of government should take more than a passing interest in the welfare of children.

'As leaders of tomorrow, Nigerian children deserve to be offered the best of education, health, and environment and in other aspects of life,' he said.