Chinedum Treasure
Former governorship candidate in the 2021 Anambra election under the African Action Congress (AAC), Chioma Grace Ifemeludike will on Monday protest against continual cases of child abuse in the state.
Ifemeludike who is embarking on the protest under the Comr. Chioma Grace Ifemeludike Ministry (CGIM) said the exercise will take place at the Anambra State House of Assembly.
According to a statement she signed, Ifemeludike, who doubles as Convener of the protest described it as an evangelical method for social justice.
She listed five demands the exercise targets to achieve as follows:
1) Immediate investigation and prosecution of reported child-abuse cases — with due process and protection of child victims and witnesses.
2) Stronger enforcement of child-protection laws in Anambra State and effective implementation of existing child-rights protections. Nigeria has formal child-rights enforcement procedures.
3) Prohibition of child labor : We call on the chairman house committee on women affairs, also representing Onitsha North Anambra state house of assembly, Hon. Mimy Ikpeazu. to raise and sponsor bills that will make the enlisted acts below effective immediately in Anambra state (A)Child’s Rights Act 2003: Protects children from economic exploitation and hazardous work. (B) Labour Act 2004: Sets legal guidelines and age limits for young workers.
4) Accountability for adults and institutions that conceal or ignore abuse rather than protecting perpetrators.
5) Regular public awareness campaigns.
While calling on the public to join her team to stage the peaceful protest, Ifemeludike urged government to prioritize campaigns and sensitisation programs on child abuse, neglect, exploitation and children’s rights through religious and traditional institutions.
“We call on state government through the office of the ministry of women affairs and social welfare, Mrs. Esther Chinyere Onyekesi, the office of the First Lady, Her excellency, Mrs Nonye Soludo, to prioritize campaigns and sensitisation programs on child abuse, neglect, exploitation, and children’s rights through religious and traditional institutions.
“With these programs, effective efforts and intentional engagement we believe that this menace will be drastically curtailed in our society and our children will no longer be victims of physical, emotional, sexual and mental abuse,” she added.
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