The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to end violence against children in order to ensure a safe and secured future for all children in the state in particular and Nigeria in general.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Mrs. Lola Akande, gave the pledge yesterday while inaugurating the subcommittee set up to work towards the launch of year of action on ending Violence Against Children (VAC) in Lagos State scheduled for February 2016.

Akande stated that the launch of VAC is crucial to the State Government in view of the rampant cases of violence being perpetuated against children in the State, noting that children are the bedrock of any nation because they are the future, hence the need to safeguard their future by putting an end to any form of violence against them.

According to her, “Children experience different forms of abuses, many of which are not usually reported which is why the State Government, through the Ministry, is partnering with UNICEF to plan activities that will ensure successful launch of actions to end the scourge”.

while explaining that empirical evidence has shown that violence has negative mental, physical and cognitive development in children as it usually leads to depression, anxiety, injury and make them susceptible to HIV/AIDS, Akande described this development as unacceptable, emphasising that the government will continue to do all within its power to end the menace for the safety of the children.

She averred that many measures have been adopted by the government to end violence against children and urged members of the various sub committees to work in unison and mobilise all stakeholders for successful launch of VAC in the State.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Olanike Oduwole tasked members of the subcommittee to take the assignment seriously in view of its importance to the State Government.

She stated that no nation can develop when its children and youths are exposed to violence and therefore tasked the subcommittees to see the assignment as their commitment to securing the future of the children in the state, pointing out that it is their responsibility as parents as well as service to humanity.

Responding on behalf of other members of the subcommittees, the Chairperson for Media and Publicity, Mrs. Toro Oladapo, Director of Public Affairs in the Ministry of Information and Strategy, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in the members.

She stated that “the goal of the State Government is the goal of the committee’’ as the members are passionate about ending violence against children and as such will work hard to ensure successful launch of VAC in Lagos State.

Other subcommittees inaugurated are: Child Participation, Advocacy, Protocol, Event and Logistics.

•Photo shows Hon Akande flanked by the members during the inauguration of subcommittees to end Violence against Children in Lagos State.

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