Nelson Mandela once said, "There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children." This powerful statement is a poignant reminder of the current situation facing children in Nigeria, where various forms of abuse remain prevalent and often go unreported. The urgent need to protect children from physical and emotional harm has never been more critical, and this call has been echoed by a coalition of organizations working tirelessly to safeguard the well-being of Nigeria’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens.
Child abuse in Nigeria is a deeply ingrained issue, often perpetuated by cultural practices and societal norms that justify harmful behaviors. According to the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (1999) and the Child Rights Act (2003), every child has the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual exploitation. Unfortunately, these legal frameworks have not been fully effective in eradicating the menace, as many cases of child abuse continue to be underreported.
The impact of child abuse on the future of Nigerian children is devastating, not only affecting the individual child’s development and well-being but also tarnishing the nation’s image on a global scale. Recognizing this, several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have stepped up to combat child abuse and ensure that every child is afforded the protection and care they deserve.
One such organization leading the charge is the Child Protection Network (CPN), which has been at the forefront of efforts to eradicate child abuse in Nigeria. Recently, the CPN organized a sensitization and training exercise in Akinyele Local Government Area, Oyo State, aimed at educating parents, community members, and stakeholders on the importance of protecting children from abuse.
Dr. RoseMary Odigbo, the Oyo State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network, urged parents and guardians to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their children from both physical and emotional abuse. During the sensitization meeting, she called on the government to intensify its efforts in raising awareness about child protection and family planning, as well as to enforce stringent punishments for offenders. Dr. Odigbo emphasized that improving the financial capacity of families is crucial in curbing the rising cases of child abuse across the nation.
In addition to raising awareness, the coalition is also focused on addressing the root causes of child abuse. Dr. Kemi Ademola-Aremu, the Executive Director of Choice Solution Welfare Initiative International and a facilitator at the training, highlighted the importance of recognizing and managing challenges in children to prevent inadvertent abuse. She stressed that with effective support, even children with disabilities can thrive, underscoring the need for parents and guardians to be attuned to their children’s needs.
Similarly, Mr. Gbola Omotosho, the Oyo State Coordinator of the Association Against Trafficking in Persons, Child Abuse, and Labour, called on prospective parents to plan financially and emotionally before starting a family. Proper family planning, he noted, is essential in preventing the health and societal issues that often lead to child abuse.
The coalition also emphasized the crucial role of community leaders and the legal system in combating child abuse. Barrister Oluwaseun Folajuwon-Banjo, the legal adviser for the Child Protection Network in Oyo State, urged community leaders to report cases of child abuse promptly. She also called on the responsible agencies to maintain proper records and ensure thorough prosecution of offenders, which would serve as a deterrent to others.
Community leaders, including Chief Akinsanmi Sunday of the Ajibode Oke-Ona community, expressed their gratitude for the sensitization efforts and pledged to apply the knowledge gained to enhance the safety of children in their areas. They also appealed to the government for more support in the form of increased awareness campaigns and financial backing for both public and NGO initiatives aimed at eradicating child abuse in Nigeria.
The fight against child abuse in Nigeria is far from over, but with the concerted efforts of government bodies, NGOs, community leaders, and the public, there is hope for a safer future for the nation’s children. By stepping up efforts to protect children from physical and emotional harm, Nigeria can begin to heal its society and build a brighter future for the next generation. The call to action is clear: Protect our children today to secure a better tomorrow.