A university
lecturer, Okpo Ojah, has called for the enforcement of the Child Rights
Act to check the frequent incidences of child abuse in the country. He
also advocated for a private-public synergy in addressing issues
concerning the less privileged.

Mr. Ojah, who
lectures at the University of Calabar, made the call on Monday in
Calabar while delivering a paper on “Help The Needy” at a seminar
organised by Laurel Childcare Outreach, a non governmental organisation.

He said the delay
in the enforcement of the Act passed by the National Assembly in 2003
is unfortunate, adding that the delay amounts to government’s disregard
for children’s welfare.

He also described as unfortunate, the prevailing situation where only eight states in the country had made laws on child rights.

The lecturer
stressed that, beyond enacting the Act, all tiers of government should
take more than a passing interest in the welfare of children.

“As leaders of tomorrow, Nigerian children deserve to be offered the
best of education, health, and environment and in other aspects of
life,” he said.