AKSG launches campaign against Child Abuse, abandonment, child Labour and baby factory

Akwa Ibom State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare has held its 2017 sensitization campaign against child abuse, child abandonment, child labour and Baby Factory.  

The three day Programme, which had as its theme “End Child Exploitation and Abuse: Promote a Violence Free Society” took place in the three senatorial districts in the state. The Sensitization campaign started on Tuesday 2nd May, 2017 in Onna Local Government Council Hall, Wednesday 3rd May, 2017 in Nsit Ubium Local Government Council Hall, climaxing on Thursday 4th May 2017 in Essien Udim Local Government Council Hall.

The event was an elaborate gathering attracting dignitaries and guests from all the works of life. 

The Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Glory Edet in her address thanked the Governor, His Excellency Mr. Udom Emmanuel for being children friendly and in making the state suitable and peaceful for children. 

While expressing gratitude to God for the success of the campaign, she stated that the Child Rights Law is effectively implemented in Akwa Ibom State, adding that parents, guardians and caregivers who still perpetuate the evil acts of exploiting, abusing ,abandoning and stigmatizing of children as witches and wizards, thereby pushing them to roam the streets will be prosecuted. 

Enlightening on baby factory, Dr. Glory Edet warned traditional birth attendants to desist from illegal buying and selling of babies as commodities and advised women who have difficulty in conception to follow the correct processes of adoption through the ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare. She also promised government’s unrelenting efforts in working to improve the quality of life of children, women, physically challenged and other vulnerable groups.

     Mr. Tony from the Human Rights Commission spoke on the dangers and effects of Child Abuse which he said is very destructive to children and the society at large.  The Human Rights Commission in collaboration with Child Protection Network presented three thousand copies Highlights of the Child Rights Law and Almanac, Abridged version of the Law and fliers to participants.