The Lagos State Government (LASG) has stated that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will not rest on its oars until every child in the State is given access to necessary resources and opportunities for them to realise their full potential.
The Government as part of efforts to ensure that the best interest of children in Lagos State is accorded priority,as through the State’s Ministry of Youth and Social Development organised a Stakeholders’ meeting for all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the State Government on children issues.
In her opening remarks at the inaugural meeting on Wednesday at the Correctional Centre for Junior Boys, Yaba, the Permanent Secretary, Pharm (Mrs) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, represented by Deputy Director, Mrs M.F. Dada, said, “Our children are the future of Lagos State, and their well being should be of utmost importance to us. However, recent social issues have highlighted the significant challenges that our children face.”
According to the Permanent Secretary, “Many children in Lagos State are vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and exploitation, with child trafficking, child labour and child abuse being major concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic has made the situation worse, with many children being out of school and deprived of basic needs such as food and healthcare.”
Speaking further, Oke-Osanyintolu mentioned mental health crisis, adverse impact of technology and social media on children, growing issue of poverty and inequality, violence against children as some of the critical issues that require urgent attention and collaboration among stakeholders to tackle.
The Permanent Secretary stated that the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu will leave no stone unturned until every child in the State is given access to all the resources and opportunities needed for them to realise their full potential.
On his part, President, Association of Orphanages and Homes Operations in Nigeria (ASOHON), Dr Gabriel Oyediji commended the Lagos State Government for its efforts towards ensuring a conducive environment is created for children to realise their potentials, irrespective of their religion, tribe or status.
Oyediji urged the State Government to always get the buy-in of the private sector in initiating policies and programmes geared towards giving secto children a favourable environment to succeed.
Director, Child Development, Mrs Bukayo Odukoya stated that one of the reasons for the programme was to see to the proper implementation of the Child Right Law for the benefit of all the children in Lagos State.