NGO solicits national consciousness in addressing children’s challenges

By Ismail Abdulaziz

A non-governmental organisation — Adinya Arise Foundation — has called for a new national consciousness in addressing the various challenges affecting the overall development of the Nigerian child.

Mrs Mabel Ade, the organisation’s Executive Director, made the call in a paper entitled: “The state of Nigerian Children: Time for National Consciousness” on Saturday in Abuja.

She said that parents, society and governments at all levels must collaborate to ensure that children were safe from trafficking, sexual exploitation, and armed conflict.

Ade also stressed the need to eliminate disparities in the country’s education system and the widespread health challenges.

”The vulnerabilities of Nigerian children are far-reaching and numerous, plaguing their homes, schools, places of worship and public spaces.

“A myriad of harrowing stories unfolds daily, reflecting the devastating reality many children face.

“To put this in perspective, according to UNICEF, in 2023 alone, more than 10 million children in Nigeria are out of school, and a significant percentage of these children are engaged in child labour,” she said.

Ade said that conscious efforts aimed at improving the condition of children would translate to not only a better future but a good present.

“UNICEF’s data indicate that effective child protection systems can reduce child abuse cases by up to 40 per cent.

”As per the World Health Organisation, for every one dollar invested in scaling up actions to address health issues among adolescents, there will be a return of about 10 dollars.

“Every child has the right to live without fear. We must create safe spaces for our children to grow, learn, and flourish”, she said

She said that the incoming administration of Sen. Bola Tinubu should ensure that bold steps are taken to ensure new lease of life for Nigerian children going forward.

“Policies should be inclusive and cater to the needs of all, particularly the young and unskilled demographic; launch campaigns to restore faith in healthcare services, reducing the preventable deaths and stigma associated with certain diseases; implement programmes aimed at fighting substance abuse, which include education about the dangers of drugs and robust support services.

‘’Promote campaigns that foster respect for all, and institute strict penalties for those in power who exploit others.

“A comprehensivesecurity architecture, including the use of student informants in schools; incentivise and protect individuals who report wrongdoings and consider implementing community policing initiatives.

”Hire more qualified teachers and ensure they are evenly distributed across schools; implement stringent regulations for private schools to ensure quality education.

“Transform universities to research institutions, encouraging faculty motivation, student engagement in research, and library resources upgrade,” she suggested.

Ade said that in spite of the challenges confronting children in the country, there is a glimmer of hope.

”We look forward to a Nigeria where every child’s rights are respected, where every child is safe and where every child can fulfil their potential.

”This vision is within our grasp if we all — parents, government, stakeholders, and every Nigerian — take up our responsibilities with dedication and resolve.

“It’s not just about doing what is right; it’s about securing our future, the Nigerian child,” she said.

(NAN)