As Osun State holds 2021 Children days celebration, the Commissioner for Women, Children and Social Affairs, Hon. Bukola Olaboopo has urged residents of the state to hold sacred trust of providing safety and security for the children adding that there is no duty more important than ensuring that the welfare of children is protected and their lives are free from fear of any kind and they can grow up in peace and in a secured environment.
The occasion which held at the Osogbo township stadium was well attended by dignitaries in the state led by the state Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola who received the students doing march past.
Olaboopo said that it is quite unfortunate that children bore the brunt of the hazards that befell the society during the heat if the COVID-19 pandemic adding that it is disheartening to note that a good number of children were traumatized, became orphans and vulnerable due to the loss if their parents from the COIVD-19 pandemic or subjects to violence, abuse labor and sexual exploitation, especially during the lockdown by the same adults that are supposed to care and protect them.
“Unfortunately, the trend was gaining momentum till the state government of Osun, through the ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs took a stance step to halt the ugly incidence. The state in her usual style was very proactive, members of staff of the ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs worked around the clock even in the course of the lockdown.
“We enhanced a very key collaboration with security operatives and security agencies to respond to cases especially those of abuse and child rape and we expanded the states toll free lines to cover children based cases.
“I must at this junction warn parents to be weary of the safety of their children at all times. Times as gone beyond leaving your children behind with neighbors and relatives, especially the female, when going out or doing business, keep them at designated care centers for minimal protection at least.
She added that these trauma had led to psychological set back, anxiety, fear, anger and depression even schools have become targets of attacks.
She also appealed to all perpetrators of violence that children must be kept out of conflicts and they should not be targets as victims, but should be nurtured as the heritage of God Almighty that need special attention and protection.
Olaboopo then called on all stakeholders in the development of the children to brace up and exercise a collaborative effort in the training of these children and wards to ensure they become successful in the nearest future.
Speaking at the event, the Governor of the state, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola said that the special date has been set aside to recognise and celebrate children as important members of the society on whose shoulders rests the hope, aspiration, and vision for a more prosperous society.
“We are also paying attention to the welfare of our teachers so that they can be motivated to teach better. The fact that in our 2021 budget, a substantial chunk of 18 percent was voted for education is a strong indication that we mean business.
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“For us, no sacrifice is too great to pay in ensuring that we give you a childhood you can fondly remember while preparing you to function effectively for a proud tomorrow, in the service our dear State, nation, and the world in general”, he said.
(Affairs TV)
