…warns traffickers, child molesters, hawkers will face prosecution
The Ondo State government has reiterated its firm commitment to tackling all forms of child abuse, ranging from physical and psychological harm to sexual exploitation.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Seun Osamaye, delivered the warning in Akure on Sunday, stating that anyone found guilty of child trafficking, molestation, street trading or hawking would face prosecution.
Mrs Osamaye explained that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remains strongly committed to safeguarding children’s rights, with policies and legal frameworks already in place to ensure strict enforcement.
“Ondo State is currently recognised as one of the safest states for children, perhaps due to our anti-child labour measures or because of the enforcement of child safety and child protection laws,” she said.
She noted that the government continues to bring stakeholders together through regular committee meetings, a process she described as essential in strengthening protection systems and ensuring that violators are sanctioned.
“If there are, in rare cases, where we find anyone culpable of inflicting violence on a child, we take it very seriously and deal with them accordingly,” the commissioner added.
The state has also introduced sensitisation programmes targeting out-of-school children to boost enrolment and retention, with basic learning materials provided to support families.
Mrs Osamaye revealed that in the past six months, Ondo State rolled out empowerment initiatives for widows, vulnerable groups, the elderly, and leprosy patients.
These programmes, delivered in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, were aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods and reinforcing family stability.
According to her, the selection process was carried out across all 18 local government areas to ensure fairness and broad inclusion.
