By Gloria Acholonu (Imo State Correspondent, in Owerri)
Media Relations Consultant, Chief (Dr) Fidel Onyeneke, has called for more proactive actions towards the protection of young persons in Nigeria from abuse and exploitation.
Chief Onyeneke made the call In Owerri on Monday in an interview with Newsmen. He condemned the high rate of molestation and humiliation targeted at children and youths in different parts of the Country.
He observed with dismay, the incessant abduction and maltreatment of young persons who are often trafficked and subdued for financial gains.
Chief Onyeneke who described children as the major resource for a peaceful tomorrow, however, cautioned parents and guardians to devote more time in monitoring the movement of their wards at all times.
The veteran journalist and former Special Adviser to Imo Governor on Orientation, regretted the situation where some individuals had given out their children to all manner of persons in a deliberate effort to make money. He cautioned the people not to indulge in ungodly acts due to economic hardship in the country.
Onyeneke also frowned at some guardians who maltreat the children under their care or even sell them, stressing that it is the height of inhumanity in the Society.
He urged religious bodies, women organizations and other non-governmental organisations to brace up and check these menace which, he said, had threatened the lives of the Nigerian children.
Onyeneke also appealed to security operatives and other agencies responsible for the prevention of these illegal activities to adopt better strategies that would enhance a more conducive atmosphere for the upbringing of the children and youths.
He appealed for the full implementation of the various Laws against child abuse with a view to sanctioning the culprits just to serve as a deterrent to others.
Chief Onyeneke urged Nigerians not to despair or engage in nefarious activities due to economic hardship, expressing optimism that the situation would be ameliorated in no distant time. NNL.
