…reaffirms commitment to full implementation of Child Rights Law
By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
As part of his administration’s resolve to build a safer and more secure future for every child, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his commitment to the full implementation of the Child Rights Law, to deepen protection and welfare of children across the state.
The assurance was reiterated during a courtesy visit by members of the Committee on Child Rights Law Implementation to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Akure.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Commissioner, Mr. Tophas Mefun, Director of the Department of Child Development, alongside Mrs. Akeju Modupe, Deputy Director of Finance and Administration, and Mr. Kunle Orukotan, an official of the Ministry, commended the committee for their commitment to safeguarding children’s rights in the state.
Speaking for the Commissioner, Mrs. Akeju conveyed Dr. Osamaye’s appreciation to the committee and her apology for being unavoidably absent due to official engagements.
She reaffirmed both her dedication and that of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration to the effective implementation of the Child Rights Law and the strengthening of child protection mechanisms across Ondo State.
In his remarks, Mr. Mefun highlighted the Ministry’s achievements under the present administration, noting that the Child Rights Law, domesticated in Ondo State since 2007, continues to gain traction through the synergy of the Ministry, judiciary and partner agencies.
He cited the Ministry’s swift interventions in several child abuse, neglect and trafficking cases, including judicial representations at the Family and High Courts. Referring to the recent uncovering of a child factory in Ore, he assured that the state government remains steadfast in pursuing justice for victims and rehabilitating affected children.
Mr. Mefun also celebrated the revival of the State Children’s Parliament, inactive for over 12 years, as a milestone under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s inclusive leadership. He said the parliament reflects the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and child empowerment.
He further disclosed that the Ministry, in partnership with Save the Children, continues to intensify advocacy against child labour, particularly in rural farming communities.
Speaking, Mrs. Olanike Mogboruko, State Comptroller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, applauded the Ministry for its coordinating role as the Secretariat of the Committee. She called for a review of the 2007 Child Rights Law to align with emerging realities, expressing confidence in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration to advance child welfare in the state.
Representatives from the National Human Rights Commission, Ministries of Justice, Education, Information, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Muslim Community, Iyaloja General, and partner organisations such as Save the Children, Terres des Hommes, and Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE), also attended the meeting.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Akeju expressed appreciation to the committee for their continued collaboration and assured that all recommendations would be conveyed to the Commissioner for appropriate action. She lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa’s visionary leadership and unwavering efforts toward creating a safer and more promising future for children in the state.
As a gesture of appreciation, the Committee presented a special recognition gift to Dr. Osamaye, in honour of her passion and the Governor’s outstanding leadership in advancing child rights and social development in Ondo State.