BY PETER OKUTU

ABAKALIKI—WIFE of Ebonyi State governor, Mrs. Josephine Elechi, has raised alarm over the increasing rate of child rape, child labour, teenage pregnancy, child trafficking and other forms of maltreatment against children in the state.

She noted with dismay that despite series of campaigns embarked upon by her office through the Mother and Childcare Initiative, MCCI, such acts were still prevalent in the state, especially at the rural level.

Mrs. Elechi, who stated this during a Thank You Tour and sensitization programme on the National Health Insurance Scheme at Ntezi in Ishielu Local government area of the state, called for the strengthening of Ebonyi Child Rights Law to pave way for effective management of cases of child abuse in the state.

She expressed worry that the menace had taken a different dimension which needed the urgent attention of key stakeholders at every level of governance, adding that with the amendment of the Child Right Act in the state, stiffer punishment would be meted out to offenders and their collaborators.

She said: “It is the sacred duty of government and the family to ensure that the child was well protected from abuses and undignifying treatments.

“A lot of violent assaults had been committed against the child on daily basis without the culprits being brought to justice.

“I want to stress that my office will collaborate with other key stakeholders to ensure the amendment of the Act to give it more teeth to bite. Teenage pregnancy is another prevalent issue in the state.

“It is high and has led to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and Vesico Vaginal Fistula, VVF, among the teenagers in the state.”

She added that her visit was to thank them for the support they gave to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in last April’s general election and also sensitize them on ways to protect  children from all forms of child abuse and neglect.

She urged the women to seek political empowerment through active participation in political activities in order to actualize the 35 percent affirmative action stipulated under President Jonathan’s administration.

Highpoint of the rally were presentations from the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Rachael Umahi and other wives of key stakeholders in the state on the need for women to key into the National Health Insurance Scheme and strengthening of the role of women in both state and national politics.