GOVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, on Saturday, restated his administration’s commitment towards the protection of children against abuse.
In an interview with journalists to commemorate the Children’s Day’s march past held in Ibadan, said that the nation would benefit immensely if the parents re-orientate and instill sound morals into their wards.
He condemned violence against children, saying the inhumane and barbaric tradition of female genital mutilation and the current trend of child abuse would no longer be condoned.
“The current trend of violence through child trafficking, child forced marriages, sex exploitation and abduction would no longer be condoned. The protection of the child and the promotion of their well-being are closely linked to development and well-being of the society.
“Violence against children, like child labour, takes place more in the developing countries and can have devastating long term impact on the well-being of the children as well as the progress of the society,’’ he said.
The governor said that his administration would continue to evolve policies and initiatives aimed at grooming the children for success and future of the country.
Master Akinyele Olanrewaju, who spoke on behalf of the children, said that taking care of the children was tantamount to taking care of the future of the society and human race.
Meanwhile, Oyo State is targetting about 1.5million children which is around 85 per cent coverage of children under five years of age as the beneficiaries of Vitamin A supplements during the forthcoming Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) week, it said on Saturday.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan, disclosed the figure in Ibadan while giving update on the preparation of the government towards the MNCH week coming up between May 29 and June 2, 2017.
He said parents of children between six months to 59months are expected to bring their wards to the health facilities and outreach centres provided by the government for the programme, adding that Vitamin A is essential for the targeted children in order to boost their immune system, improve their sight as well as to prevent measles and other related skin diseases.
This amount to 1404 selected locations where the MNCH week will hold.
“During the MNCH week, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children between 0-59 months will be the beneficiaries of free Nutrition and Health interventions including Vitamin A, HIV Screening, Malnutrition Screening and there will also be provision of Family planning commodities, birth registration, deworming tablets for children of 12-59 months as well as provision of Malaria drugs for pregnant women.
“Pregnant women and Nursing mothers are therefore reminded that this 5-day nutrition and health interventions are free. Based on our consultations, we can reliably say that Ramadan does not prevent pregnant women from taking tetanus toxoid vaccines,” Dr. Adeduntan emphasised.
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