Chinyere Amalu
1 May 2008
Lagos — As part of its efforts to stamp out the recent upsurge of hostility against Nigerian Child, especially rape, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has concluded plans to carry out aggressive advocacy and sensitization visit to the various states in the country.
The visit which is also aimed at educating Government Officials, Legislators, and Religious Leaders in the States on the Provisions of the Child' Rights on rape would also stress the need to not only pass the Act into law, but ensure that the provisions are fully implemented.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Saudatu Bungudu, who received the out-going UNIEF Country Representative, Ayale Abai in her office said: "The sensitization visit has become necessary because of the recent development on rape of under-aged girl-child, by old men has shown that most Nigerians are either not aware of the Act and its provisions or do not know its importance.
"Even those responsible for dispensing punishment provided in the Act for various offences committed against children seem unaware of the punishment for rape as stipulated in Act".
The Minister who frowned at the levity, on which the judgement of the recent rape of a one year and nine months old girl by a 27 year old man in Nasarawa was passed, said the case must be revisited.
Speaking on the importance the sensitization visit, she said, "We intend to visit states that are yet to pass the Bill into law, hold talks with government officials, legislature, and the religious leaders, traditional rulers and community leaders to urge them to pass and implement the Act so that the future of Nigerian Child will be secured.
Earlier in his remark, the out-going UNICEF Country Representative, Ayaelo Abai, urged the Minister to ensure that the CRA is passed and implemented by the remaining states to guarantee children's right to participation and protection in the country.
He however, commended the Nigerian Government for its National Plan of Action on Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) , and appealed to the Minister to ensure that the CEDAW Bill is passed into law by the National Assembly so as to ensure multi-faceted women and children development in the country.
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