Children in Ogun State have issued a passionate call for an immediate end to all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, warning that continued violations against minors threaten their future and the state’s development.
The demand came on Wednesday during a plenary session of the 5th Children Parliament, held at the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Opening the debate, Farida Olushola, representing Ijebu-Ode Constituency and Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs, said children remain the “leaders of tomorrow” but can only fulfil that role if they are nurtured in love, protection, and care.
“Having a bad foundation can destroy our future,” she warned, urging stakeholders to prioritise emotional support and create an enabling environment for children to grow into healthy and productive adults.
Presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Olaoluwa, the Children Parliament deliberated extensively on the rising cases of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as child labour, trafficking, and neglect across the state.
While commending the state government’s ongoing investments in child welfare, education, and protection programmes, the young lawmakers expressed deep concern over increasing violations against children.
The Parliament resolved to urge the State Assembly and other relevant authorities to urgently implement comprehensive child protection policies, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and foster collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and communities.
Receiving the resolutions, Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, assured the children that their demands would be taken seriously.
“They have told us they are against child abuse, and we must heed their call,” Elemide said. “They should be given opportunities to express themselves, which they have done impressively today.”
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, described the situation as alarming, lamenting that many children in the state are subjected to hazardous work instead of being in school.
“Go to Kuto or Lafenwa markets, and you will see children engaged in labour. Even in mining areas, children are being exploited,” Adeleye said.
“We are not saying parents should not correct their children, but correction should come with love, not corporal punishment or cruel treatment.”
She called for urgent action to protect children from abuse, stressing that child rights must be upheld in every home, school, and community.
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