The Rivers State Government has been called upon to enforce the Child’s Right Act that was passed by the House of Assembly, in order to protect children from harassment, violence, molestation and exploitation.
President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Rivers State, Chief Victor Green made the call during this year’s Children’s Day celebration held at No. One field, Port Harcourt Township, last Wednesday.
Chief Green said, “children upbringing and training should be given top priority as they are the hope for the future”.
According to him, the theme of this year’s Children’s Day, “Violence against Children: Addressing the Challenges”, was well chosen by the federal government, based on the United Nations report on violence against children.
“Many children are dehumanised and made to suffer from all kinds of mal-treatment, such as physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect”, he said, adding that “the most painful mistake parents make is to watch their children grow without guidance”.
The president noted that “to be the father of a nation is a great honour, but to be the father of a successful family is a greater joy”.
He stressed the need for all stakeholders to redouble their efforts and commitment in developing strategies to address the alarming and increasing incidence of violence and exploitation of children in the country.
Chief Green enjoined parents, guardians, including teachers, to be cautious of the way they use what he called dangerous words and weapons on their children as disciplinary measures.
The state NAPPS president used the forum to advise the children to remember God’s commandment, that says, “you must obey your father and mother so that you will live long on earth”.
Never associate with ungodly people, shun evil company and cultism, pay attention to your studies and always listen to your parents and teachers as well as your pastors”, he urged the children.
Earlier in her address, the chairman of NAPPS, Town unit, Mrs Yvonne Ben Kalio, expressed concern over the suffering of some children.
Using the 200 Chibok girls that were abducted by the Boko Haram sect in Borno State she said, “this is time we should reflect on the well-being of our children and resolve that every social economic or financial decision we take as a nation should be in the best interest of the child”.
In his word of encouragement, Rev Ayo Tamuno, who took his text from Psalm 127 vs 3, enjoined the children not to allow anything that would relegate them from their uniqueness, but that they should exhibit their God-given talents .
Highlights of the day was the march-past by the 70 participating schools, which saw Glorious Academy Secondary School emerge first in senior secondary school category, followed by Wisdom Academy and Emmades Academy respectively.
In the primary school category, Sunrise School came first, Zion Nursery and Primary School, second, and Boma Favour’s School occupied the rear.