Protecting Children’s Rights: NBA Ikorodu Branch Takes a Stand
By Ifeoma Ikem
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikorodu Branch, has launched a sensitisation programme aimed at promoting the effective practice of the Child’s Rights Law across the schools in the entire Ikorodu suburb of Lagos State.
The programme, titled: “Training the Trainer Initiative Series,” brought together stakeholders in the education sector to discuss the importance of child’s rights and protection.
Chief Magistrate Olajumoke Olagbegi-Adelabu, a key resource person at the event, emphasized the significance of understanding the Child’s Rights Law.
She disclosed that children are a divine inheritance and it’s crucial that parents and guardians know their rights. “When we understand the law, we can advocate for it. We should join hands to train children in the society, ensuring all have access to quality education” she said.
Olagbegi-Adelabu highlighted the duty of caregivers to help children actualise their rights, adding that data collection is essential for forensic reports and child protection.
“A child’s rights are paramount. We need to know the legal framework of child protection and manage their behaviour generally,” she stressed.
Oyinkansola Badejo, Esq, noted that guardians are the best teachers globally, playing a vital role in shaping children’s lives.
She noted the need for continuous training and retraining on new trends in teaching and the Child’s Rights Law, adding:
“We should accept whatever comes up and work together to train children in the society, ensuring all have access to quality education.”
Comrade Abiodun Kolawole, Esq ( AKA “Iya Gani Fawehinmi”) a renowned activist, Media and Legal Practitioner took the participants through pre-test and post Examination Questions of Training the Trainer Initiative Series,” emphasized the importance of proper parenting and value orientation, stating that children have the right to voice their opinions and areas of needs which must be heard and listened to globally.
“It’s essential duty bearers and persons who takes care of children help them actualised these rights,” she added.
The NBA Ikorodu Branch Chairperson, Olawunmi Adeola, Esq, explained that the programme was initiated after a disturbing video emerged showing a teacher physically abusing a three-year-old pupil.
Describing the rationale for such physical abuse on minors as disheartening, she canvassed the need to train and retrain schools guardians and sensitize them to the Child’s Rights Law.
Adeola emphasized the NBA’s commitment to protecting children’s rights, saying, “We are not going to stop.
The sensitization and awareness programme is a continuous thing. We’ll take it to religious bodies, community heads, and markets.”
Adeola advised parents to prioritise justice for abused children, saying, “When you see something, say something. Let all the perpetrators face the law. Allow justice to prevail for abused children. Remember, whatever you’re offered cannot change the trauma the victim has experienced”.
