By: Joy Odor/Abuja
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter has bemoaned on the alarming rate of out-of-school-children, violence against the girl-child (rape), child abuse, child labour, child trafficking and kidnapping, among others.
The Association made the call in a communique issued after its deliberations on the State of the Nation, especially as it concerns women and children ahead of the 2019 Children’s Day Celebration on May 27 in its Congress held at NUJ Press Centre, Otaku Abuja on Saturday, 11th May, 2019 and signed by its Secretary, Grace Njoku.
The Congress maintained that with the passage of the Child Rights Act of 2003 in the 36 States and FCT, rights of children should be protected and therefore called on Civil Rights Organization and stakeholders as well as development partners, to step up advocacy on the rights of the Nigerian Child.
It also expressed worry over the increasing rate of infant mortality, especially as a result of nutrition and tasked government and relevant agencies to implement programmes and policies that will raise awareness on importance of child nutrition, specifically exclusive breast feeding and create enabling environment for working nursing mothers within the workplace.
The Congress noted that the whereabouts of Leah Sharibu, who was held back by her captors for refusing to renounce her faith remains unknown as she turns 16 on Tuesday 14/05 and tasked the Federal Government and relevant agencies to ensure her safe rescue and return to her family.
It however condemned the recent indiscriminate raids on night clubs in Abuja and arrest of women under the guise of arresting suspected prostitutes by the FCT Joint Task Force and alleged rape of the suspects.
They called on the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu as well as the Minister of the FCT, Mal. Mohammed Bello, to ensure that the offending officers are brought to book.
“Congress further commended the National Assembly for the passage of the Bill on Dual Indigeneship for women and urged President Mohammadu Buhari to speedily assent to the Bill.
“Congress also tasked the President on the 35% affirmative action in the constitution of his new cabinet.
“Congress further commended the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on the successful election of a new executive which saw the re-election of a renowned NAWOJian and editor, Mrs Funke Egbomode and two members of the FCT Chapter, Mrs Husseina Bangshika and Catherine Agbo, and urged them to use their good offices to promote gender sensitive policies” The Communique stressed.
