By Sade Adewale

Nigerians have been urged to dismantle all barriers hindering the development and growth of children across the state and nation.

Human rights activist, Mrs Lola Modupe, made this appeal during an interview with Sunday  Hope.

She emphasised that children represent the future, and ensuring their healthy growth and development should be a collective priority for all in the country.

According to Modupe, violence against children is pervasive, occurring in homes, schools, workplaces, and online.

She noted that perpetrators are often individuals children trust, including parents, caregivers, family members, friends, teachers, and intimate partners.

She stressed that violence against children leaves lasting scars, both physical and psychological.

“Sometimes, the marks are visible: bruises and broken bones. But the harm that violence causes children also affects their mental and physical health and their ability to function in the world,” she said.

Modupe described violence against children (VAC) as a widespread issue in Nigeria, with many children suffering daily.

She highlighted the severe and long-lasting physical and psychological impacts of such violence, which also undermine the health, education, and productivity of the victims.

Citing reports of rising cases of violence against children in Nigeria, she lamented that fundamental rights are being violated daily without sufficient sanctions for perpetrators.

“And this is so, not because we don’t have laws and policies on child protection but due to lack of social consensus and political will to successfully implement laws and policies in some areas,” Modupe said.

She called for an urgent assessment, prevention, and mitigation of violence against children to safeguard their future.

Additionally, she urged Nigerians to strengthen the nation’s weak child protection system, emphasising the shared responsibility of all citizens in this effort.