Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, has frowned against violence done against children in the society. He said that anyone who is caught or reported to have abused a child will be dealt with according to the law.

Ambode spoke at the Children’s Day celebration, yesterday, at the Police College, Ikeja Lagos. The theme of the celebration was “Stop violence against Children”.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Mr. Ambode said: “Violence against children, be it physical, sexual, psychological, or deliberate neglect is becoming a norm in the society today, than an aberration. The most confounding being raised now are kidnap and child trafficking. These are heinous crimes that are not acceptable in any civilised society, and Lagos State will not be an exception.”

The Governor lamented that six out of every 10 children, which represent 60%, are being abused, especially by people they refer to as family members.

He, however, assured that adequate security has been put in place in all secondary schools in the state to forestall kidnap or any social vices against children.

Ambode said that a sum of N113 billion is being budgeted for education, to ensure a bright future for children. Manpower has also been applied with the employment of 1300 teachers to schools, to teach major subjects, he said. He noted that the provision of one meal a day in schools, and the distribution of tablets containing curriculum are both receiving fast consideration.

The Governor advised students to take their academics seriously, as the increase from 17% in 2011 to 41% in 2015 is not acceptable to his administration.

The colourful celebration saw children from different schools in Lagos come together to enjoy themselves. The presence of the Boys Scout, Boys brigade, Sheriff Guard, and other groups was felt. There was also a march past, with the Deputy Governor taking the salute.

Zenith Bank presented some awards to some students for excellence. Ogunfowoa Islamiyat and Fehintola Gloy, both of Badagry Senior Grammar School, Badagry, won N250,000 each for being the first in Lagos State Schools Debate Chief Speaker and First in Lagos State Schools Debate Support Speaker, respectively. Ogunleye Ayomide also coasted home N250,000 for being the 1st Runner Up Individual Speaker, Lagos State Schools Debate.

News Express spoke with a section of children. One was Bamidele Boluwatife from Ogba Junior Grammar School, who felt “excited because I have seen a lot of faces I have not met before. I have had fun here and I am so relaxed.” She advised the Lagos State Government to increase the educational influence on children, so as to make them more studious.

Onyiaze Chibike from Command Day Secondary School, Ojo, also described the programme as fun and educative.

•Photo shows Governor Ambode.

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