Nation
Intensify Efforts At Tackling Violence Against Children, Okei-Odumakin Charges FG
President, Women Arise for Change Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Initiative has charged the Federal Government to massively step up its efforts to tackle violence against children.
Okei-Odumakin gave the charge in a statement on Monday in Lagos.
The group president also urged the Nigerian government to do more to tackle the entrenched causes of violence against children.
She advised they addressed the social and cultural attitudes, sexual abuse which was so much prevalent now.
She added that gender discrimination, poverty and humanitarian crises must be knipped in the bud.
“At the same time, it must pay far greater attention to new and emerging challenges caused by armed conflict, violent extremism and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Women Arise is calling on the government of Nigeria to massively step up its efforts to tackle violence against children.
“We welcome the fact that Nigeria is one of 12 African ‘pathfinding’ countries recognised by the UN-led Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children.
“For their commitment to raising awareness, stimulating leadership, galvanising action and establishing national violence prevention standards. But much more needs to be done,” she said
The group president noted that they were aware of the financial constraints that African governments continued to endure in the post-pandemic economic slow-down.
Okei-Odumakin, however, noted that the group could not allow the small gains made in tackling violence against children over the past 30 years to be wiped out by failure to invest in social and child protection programmes.
She, therefore, advised government to increase funding, noting that violence against children had a significant harmful, social and economic impact on society as a whole.
“The evidence is clear as violence against children is directly related to poor educational attainment, school drop-outs, job prospects and long-term poor health.
“Long-term impacts on productivity adds massively to the cost of health and social care.
“Given the current economic uncertainty, violence prevention programmes funded by international donors and NGOs remain essential,” she said.
Okei-Odumakin, however, explained that the roots of the problems in Africa, had to do with deep-rooted traditional attitudes and practices toward children especially girls, adding that it was a significant barrier to success.
She said that volence against children would only be eradicated when Africans themselves took responsibility.
She noted that it was particularly frustrating that effective strategies, good practices and home-grown African solutions to prevent violence against children existed and had been proven to work, but were largely ignored.
According to her, global efforts to tackle violence against African children often fail to acknowledge indigenous systems of child protection which can be promoted and replicated across the continent.
“It is 30 years since the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child better known as the African Children’s Charter was adopted.
“Most African governments, including that of Nigeria are signatories to both the African Children’s Charter and the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“Yet everyday, millions of children across the continent face abuse, exploitation and discrimination.
“Violence has devastating impacts on a child’s dignity, physical and mental wellbeing, development and life chances.
“Children with disabilities or albinism, those in residential care or living and working on the streets, and those caught up in humanitarian crises and armed conflict are most at risk from violence.
“While better digital connectivity and pandemic lock-downs have driven an increase in online sexual abuse, “she said.
Okei-Odumakin noted that both financial capacity and political will were in short supply.
She, therefore, urged all governments, the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities to scale up investment in initiatives to end violence against children.
“Eradicating this stain on our collective conscience is one of the most important priorities of our time.”
The Federal Government yesterday began the tolling of the 227.2km Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Highway with the inauguration of the Garaku Toll Plaza axis of the road.
Certain categories of vehicles, including security, diplomatic, ambulances and tricycles are, however, exempted from the tolling.
The Tide’s source reports that the road is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project under the aegis of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
Speaking during the inauguration, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, described the corridor as a vital infrastructure route in Nigeria.
According to him, it is essential for both the economic and social activities of the central and northern parts of the country.
Umahi was represented by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo.
He recalled that the Federal Government under the previous administration in 2023, executed a 25-year toll of rates concession agreement with MS China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company.
The Minister said that the government rehabilitated and upgraded the roads through the preferential credit loan from China Exim Bank.
He explained that it was agreed, among other things, that the road would be tolled, and maintained by a private party and revenue collected would be used to repay the loan.
“The Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi project is the first among the nine corridors being concessioned under the Highways Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) Phase 1 to commence operations.
“In the coming months, the Federal Government will continue with the launching and operationalisation of the remaining ones located across the six geopolitical zones of this country.
“This initiative has opened a new chapter in the history of Nigeria, as it gives the Federal Government the opportunity to overcome bad routes,” he said.
Umahi said the collection of tolls would generate the much-needed revenue for the maintenance and expansion of the Renewed Hope Road Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
He said that the Tinubu administration was committed to building a robust, interconnected infrastructure for socio-economic growth.
“The toll order fee schedule for Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafayette-Makurdi Federal Highway has been designated as follows: cars-N500; SUV Jeep-N800; minibuses N1000, and multi-axle vehicles, trucks and buses N1600.
“However, frequent road users like the commercial light vehicles defined under the Federal Highways Act, will enjoy a 50 per cent discount.
“Authorised vehicles, pedal vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, and other modes of two or three wheels transport used by mainly disadvantaged populations will be offered a 100 per cent discount,” he said.
A non-governmental organisation, Ashoka Ford Foundation, is seeking for a community approach to tackling climate change.
It also needs local engagement in shaping policies that drive environmental sustainability.
The Director of Ashoka Anglophone West Africa, Mrs Josephine Nzerem said this at the Climate Justice Environmental sustainability Committee of Practice organised by the foundation in Port Harcourt.
Nzerem said the Climate Justice Community of Practice (CJOP) was an initiative launched in 2024 to foster collaboration among key stakeholders in addressing environmental challenges in the Niger Delta.
According to her, “This ongoing efforts focus on engaging the Alode Community at Ajuri Palace Water Works Road, Alode, Nchia Eleme, Rivers State to deepen grassroots participation and drive sustainable climate change,” she said.
She further said that the Climate Justice Community of Practice (CJCOP) was designed to be a transformative platform where government agencies, civil society organisations, private sector players and educational institutions can create solutions that prioritise climate resilience and equitable environmental policies.
“Ashoka’s approach emphasises grassroots mobilisation and institutional collaboration to ensure inclusive and community driven solutions
The CJCOP will equip young people with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for climate justice, build sustainable solution and actively participate in decision making process.
Nzerem also said that climate change also breeds gender-based violence as women and children have become the most vulnerable, and stressed the need for the women to make their voices loud on the issue.
“The intersection of gender-based violence and climate change is often overlooked.Women and youth who are disproportionately affected, struggle to have their voices heard and recognised. Many fear speaking up, yet their own experiences are critical to shaping effective solutions,” and added that achieving true climate justice requires a holistic approach, one that integrates every aspect of life to build a sustainable and equitable future.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has assured of its preparedness to partner with relevant stakeholders to address the issue of climate change in the state.
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson said this at the Climate Justice Environmental Sustainability Committee of Practice conference organised by Ashoka Ford Foundation in Port Harcourt.
The Commissioner who spoke alongside his Environment counterpart, Tambari Sydney Igbara said the government will not allow the activiaties of the multinational corporations operating in the State to impact negatively on the lives of the people.
He also described the state as very safe for investors, adding that night life has returned to Port Harcourt, the state capital.
On his part, the Commissioner for Environment, MrTambari Sydney Igbara said the government is happy to see groups such as Ashoka Ford Foundation coming out to educate people about climate change.
He said the doors of the ministry is open to suggestions on how to address the issue of climate change in the state and other environmental issues in the state.
Also speaking the Regional Director Centre For Development Support Initiative (CEDSI) Dr Mina Ogbanga said time has come for community voices to be heard as far as climate change was concerned.
She said this was necessary as the effects of climate change are being felt by communities.
John Bibor
The people of Okehi Clan in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State have once again made a passionate appeal to the Governor of the State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to consider recognising and upgrading the highly respected stool of their monarch, Eze Ibezim Eke, Onyerishi Agwuru (IV).
The people made the call during the coronation of Dr Chike Promise as the Chimereugo 1 of Etche land by His Eminence Ochie Emmanuel Opurum, 0nyishi /Ochie of Etcheland.
The Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman of UmuolaObibi, Prince Udo Njoku, who spoke on behalf of the people, stressed that if the monarch is given government recognition, it would enhance the people’s participation in governance,as they are one of the most peaceful people in the State and have total support for the Governor and the overall development of the State.
Also speaking, the newly crowned Eze of Etcheland, Eze Promise assured his people that he would be a servant leader as he has always been to them.
He used the medium to thank the governor of the state for his development strides in Etcheland, while also promising to work cordially with the state government to maintain peace at all times within his domain.
Eze Promise was well celebrated by his people on his coronation as the community was agog on the day.
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