Asaba — Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, has called on parents, government agencies and other stakeholders to make concerted efforts and accelerated action towards survival and development of the African child.

Uduaghan, who gave the charge yesterday in Asaba, during the 2009 day of the African child, said "in our society today , there is the ever-growing violation of the right of children through child-trafficking and other economic and social exploitation of these innocent ones.

"The result of this is the high incidence of violation against children and continued increase in the number of street children with the attendant rise in misdemeanor, owing to lack of adequate parental care."

Uduaghan, who was represented by his Deputy, Professor Amos Utuama, said "it is important that we avoid glossing over the events of today as mere ritual, given the fact that observing the right of children gives them greater freedom to express themselves, explore intellectual opportunities and develop their full potentials."

He said it was out of the need to ensure development of the child that Delta State government formulated policies and programmes that are child-friendly.

"Within the first few months in office, we launched the free maternal and child care, which takes care of both the pre and post- natal treatment, including under five children. I have signed into law the Child Right Act and I am committed to its implementation and administration.

"This is an important part of our human capital development agenda and we are creating an enabling environment that will guarantee the survival and development of children in the state," he said.

Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Queen Victoria Ikenchukwu, in her remarks, urged parents, government agencies and other stakeholders to join in the crusade at improving quality of life of children, to enhance their survival and protection, as well as their physical, mental and spiritual development.