Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti
The Ekiti State First Lady, Mrs Bisi Fayemi has promised that the government of Ekiti State, is incurably committed to protecting children against all forms of molestations, to make their future brighter.
She spoke in Ado Ekiti Friday evening during a children’s party organised by the state government to mark the Christmas festivity.
Mrs Fayemi said the governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, is determined to combat the incidences of rape and trafficking of children in the state, by deploying legal and political will available to government to achieve the onerous task.
She said the state government made remarkable achivements in combating the crimes in 2019 through convictions and arrests of offenders.
He said: “2020 will be tougher for those with such criminal tendencies in Ekiti”.
At the event held at the EkitiParapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti, over 1,000 children were given cash, bags and other school materials that could help their educational pursuits.
Mrs Fayemi appealed to parents to align themselves with her husband’s executive order that all children of school age must be enrolled to enjoy education.
“Education is a right of all Nigerian children, it has to do with their future and no compromise about this. We are creating awareness that all our children must go to school and the stakeholders are joining us in the campaign.
“In 2020, we will intensify efforts here in Ekiti to protect our children against rape, trafficking and slavery. No room for such here in our state and it will be done through our policies and legal means.
“We don’t want any form of discrimination against them. The policy makers will also brace up to ensure that all the laws protecting our children are implemented, so that they can be mentally and emotionally stable to live a worthy life and have bright future that Ekiti can be proud of.
“We have told our people that they must speak up. They should not keep silent to societal evils. If you see a child being exploited, speak up. If you see something, say something”, she advised.
She said the task of achieving a zero tolerance to all forms of molestations against children could be realized with partnerships from all stakeholders, especially parents.
