LAGOS PROMISES TO PROTECT CHILD RIGHTS

 

The Lagos State Government has promised to protect the rights of children in the society, stressing that their rights under the Human Rights Law guarantee survival, continuous existence and the self-actualisation within the society.

The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Funlola Odunlami made the promise in her address at an “Awareness Forum” on the rights of the Child organised by the Ministry, through the Directorate for Citizen’s Rights, as part of activities to commemorate the 2018 United Nations World Human Rights Day with the theme “Human Rights: “The Child’s Rights”.

The Solicitor-General, represented by Mr. Adetunji Dawodu, Director, Public Trustee in the Ministry, said the various classes in the society should not take the Child’s Rights for granted and urged that the concepts of Child’s Rights should be fully imbibed and embraced.

Odunlami said that the State government is determined to protect children’s rights through the enactment of various laws and programmes such as the Adoption Laws, setting up Family Courts, given lengthier maternity leave periods for mother-child bonding as well as 10 working days leave for fathers to assist the mothers with the newly born.

She said the establishment of the One-Stop Justice Centre in Lagos underscores the Directorate’s focus and dedication towards ensuring that children are protected and cared for.

The highlights of the event included drama presentations by various schools in the primary, junior and senior secondary categories; Troupe display and the presentation of prizes winners in various categories.