Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Idongesit N. Isua, has advised parents and guardians to take proper care of their children, “describing them as precious gifts from God.”

Idongesit, who gave the advice, Thursday, during a one-day seminar on the roles of the family court and the multi-door court house in enforcement of Akwa Ibom Child  Rights Laws, said every child is entitled to proper upbringing as guaranteed by the Child Rights Law 2008.

He stated that the seminar was organized to mobilize various stakeholders for the understanding and enforcement of these rights for the benefit of the child.

She informed the gathering that the state Governor, Godswill Akpabio, places high premium on the development of Akwa Ibom child through free and compulsory education, free medical care for 0-59 months and pregnant mothers.

The chief judge, therefore, solicited the cooperation of parents, judiciary press and other state holders to ensure the success of the Akwa Ibom child rights law.

Another speaker, Hon. Justice Eno Isangedihi, while noting the child as the future of every society, stressed the need for him to be nurtured and cared for to become a well proportioned adult.

She stated that the child “is vulnerable, and to expose him or her to harsh treatment could affect their emotional balance.”

Two papers were presented at the seminar on the roles of the family court and mediation in the family court by Justice Joy Umanah and Theresa Obot respectively.

In her paper, Mrs Obot, who is in charge of the Multi door court house, noted that mediation allows disputing family members to approach their dispute from a common front and not as enemies.

According to her, “the process saves cost, time and brings about speedy judgment”.

The seminar was attended by women groups, children of selected schools, men and legal practitioners.

High point of the event was cutting of the cake by the State Chief Judge.

Eyo Akaiso, Uyo