BY RITA OYIBOKA
THE Delta State Government has called on local government councils to intensify efforts in implementing child protection policies at the grassroots level.
The call was conveyed, yesterday, by the state Chairperson of the Child Rights Implementation Committee, Mrs. Ogehenekevwe Agas during the Committee’s first meeting for 2025, in Asaba.
The meeting convened Heads of Personnel Management (HPMs) across the 25 local government areas, security agencies, representatives of various ministries, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders in the child protection ecosystem.
Speaking during the event, Agas, who is both the Chairperson of the Committee and Permanent Secretary, Women Affairs Ministry, noted the importance of local government involvement in child rights enforcement.
“We now have stronger representation from the local councils. We have identified that to succeed; we need collaboration from the local government authorities. Therefore, the more Child Rights Implementation Committees we can inaugurate at the grassroots level, the less work we’ll have to do here at the headquarters.”
Agas also highlighted the need for regular monitoring and reporting mechanisms, urging Local governments to “not just inaugurate these committees, but make them functional, proactive, and accountable.”
A key highlight of the event was a lecture by the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) focal officer of the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Agwai Olubunmi, titled “A Silent Outcry: Child Abuse and Its Impact on Health.”
Dr. Olubunmi highlighted the profound physical and psychological consequences of abuse on children. “The effects range from depression, anxiety, and panic attacks to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These children often become socially withdrawn, fearful, and isolated. In cases of sexual abuse, the consequences are even graver unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and long-term reproductive complications.”
She warned that if abuse is not addressed early, the victims could grow into troubled adults, contributing to wider societal issues such as crime, drug abuse, and mental illness.
“The only real solution is prevention. Parents must be more vigilant, particularly about who their children spend time with, be it uncles, aunties, or family friends.
“It also calls for widespread education and awareness campaigns in churches, schools, and local communities.
“Most importantly, parents should avoid unnecessary conflict and strive to maintain stable homes,” the health official stressed. In an interview with The Pointer, a representative of the Market Men and Women Association at the event, Pastor Gift Eluchike praised the Committee’s ongoing work.
“We commend the State Committee Executives for the awareness it is creating. We see cases every day, neglected children and underage hawkers, and have taken initiative to engage the market task force to curb the menace,” he said.
