Inauguration of Child Protection Committee in Ogbia LGA
This activity took place at the Executive Conference Hall, Ogbia LGA Council on November 22, 2016.
A total of 65 participants were present for the inauguration meeting, the Participants were members of the CPC from the Project targeted communities in Ogbia, FIDA Chairperson (Barrister Mrs. Dise O. Erhisese), Communication Officer FIDA (Oroyi Victor), Director of Orphans and Vulnerable Children MWASD (Mr. Naibi Ballantyne), OVC desk Officer Ogbia (Azibakanye Enoch), HOD Health Ogbia LGA (BeredugoOgonodi) and the RHF Team.
It started with an opening remark given by Joan Opukiri (PM RHF) who appreciated the attendees for honouring the invitation and also reminded participants the essence of the meeting which is basically the inauguration of the committee that will protect the Children even when the project comes to an end.
The HOD health encouraged everybody to put heads together to ensure that all duties are carried out effectively.
BaBarrister Dise O. Erhisere gave a presentation on "Understanding the Legal Rights of Children". According to her, FIDA promotes the welfare of children and women. Therefore, any case of abuse, molestation or violence should be reported directly to their office. A child is referred to as an infant or person who have not attained the age of 18years. She further mentioned some constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria backing the rights of children, these rights were also listed which include survival rights, developmental rights, protection rights etc.
She condemned street hawking and the idea of parents watching irresponsible movies in the presence of their children saying it is an offence against the child and such should be discouraged. A child should be curtailed whenever he or she is seen living a bad life as a result of negative influence and not abused.
According to her, all children are equal in the eyes of the law irrespective of the child's HIV status. We cannot implement the law when people always ask for forgiveness. She urged everyone to join hands together to see how these laws can be implemented.
The president mentioned no reliable data on violence reports in Nigeria as one of the challenges encountered by FIDA.
At the end of her presentation, she shared her contacts to participants.
The Orphans and Vulnerable children desk Officer, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mr. NaibiBallantne also spoke on "Orientation for Child Protection Committee".
According to him, it is the duty of the committee to protect the right of the child; every child must go to school and also have a home. Taking a child to orphanage has been ruled out by the government except for temporary purposes. The need for adoption is to ensure that every child belongs to a family. He further listed the core areas in child protection.
The child protection committee is put in place in the community to see to the welfare of the children, it is expected that the community members report to the committee and they take action by reporting to the police.
The committee should enlighten the members of the community on what they have been taught as regards child right and protection.
Conclusively, he urged everyone to put hands together to make it work since protecting our children is not one man's business.
Several questions were asked by the participants and answers were provided by representatives from FIDA and MWASD.
The Child Protection Committee took the Oath of Office led by OVC Desk Officer Ogbia LGA.
Vote of thanks was given by BYSACA CMO, Mrs.DiepriyeAlagoawho thanked everyone for coming. She stated that taking care of the children is not just for the sake of the parent but for the sake of the communities, LGA, State and the Nation at large.
She therefore urged CPC Members to work with passion to achieve the set goals.
In the absence of other discussions, lunch was served and allowances paid to participant followed by group Picture.
