By Bianca Iboma & Adaobi Ugochukwu
To curb the rising cases of rape, kidnapping of school children, a non governmental organisation (NGO), Live Abundantly Empowerment Initiative (LAE) in association with Kosofe Local Government, Lagos, held an enlightenment seminar on “Safety, Security and Protection of Women and Children,” where 39 primary schools participated.
Convener of the initiative, Dr. Ama Onyerinma, called on stakeholders, governments, parents and teachers to intensify awareness campaign on children’s safety and protection. She said educating women and children on how to tackle any form of abuse or violence against them would help to reduce the rising incidents of rape and kidnap cases:
“It is very important for children to know their rights and there is need to educate them about it. Workshops need to be done at all levels. They need to be taught how to protect themselves against abuse and other forms of violence.
“Children need to speak and share information to help in this advocacy. They have to know organisations that focus and fight against sexual abuses or any form of violence act against them. State protection and protection order should be given to victims, who seek justice when they have been violated.
“The police should prosecute and change the laws of abuse in Nigeria.
“Victims expects that when they report a case of sexual abuse the perpetrators should be punished and not left to walk freely in the society.
“There are some irregularities and gaps that need to be filled to ensure a safe society for us all. Stakeholders and government need to correct those irregularities through sensitisation and awareness creation. The irregularities are in various types and forms.
“Take the issue of rape which is on the increased on a daily basis, protection order from the court and state protection would keep victims safe to open up which are usually threaten by fear, shame and guilt to speak out when it occurs. Nigerians need state protection and protection orders for the future and safety of the most vulnerable group in the society.”
A member of the school based management committee in the LGA, Mr. Richard Odeyemi, said the sensitisation program could not have come at a better time: “The Lagos State School Management Board is only supporting the government at the community level.
“We as the school management committee monitors schools in the area and we are working with the Area Commander and DPO to ensure the safety of this children. A lot of security check is going on around their schools. That is why we are collaborating to equally educate the children on what they need to know.
“The community works hand in hand for the progress of Lagos. We have decided to do advocacy by creating awareness program for primary school pupils. They are not too young to be educated about security tips as the world advances it is becoming more threatened with technology and precautions taken.
“If they are equipped them with knowledge things would be a lot easier. The children need to know security measures on how to guide themselves from any form of abuse. Education would help a child to know how to speak with strangers or not to speak with them.”
Baale of Sholuyi, Chief Solomon Olamiju, lauded the initiatives to check the increased rate of crime against minors, pledging his support to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable people women and children in the society.
He enjoined parents to train their children properly and inculcate good morals in the life of the children. He said a child from a good home who has been raised with the necessary morals would not fall prey easily sexual molestation because such children might put up a defence mechanism:
“If you investigate thoroughly, you would discover that these children were lured with material gift as small as biscuit which is something the parents can afford.”
He urged children to have satiable want for things especially when they receive gifts from people without their parents consent:
“There is need for proper training at home and school. Morals would aid other strategic advocacy means, stakeholders and government is putting in place for their safety.”