By IKENNA ASOMBA

The Proprietor of Explosive Academy Independent School (EAIS) Abraka, Delta State, Mr. Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho has commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State on his concerted efforts towards combating juvenile crimes in Delta state.  Aghogho who also lauded the Governor for signing the Delta State Child Rights Act into law in 2008, stated that the Law has tremendously helped in redirecting deviant children in the state.

According to the educationist, the state government’s approval of EAIS, through its Ministry of Women Affairs, Child and Social Development, as a reformatory school for children beyond parental control is a right step in the right direction towards complementing the governor’s effort in reducing juvenile crimes in the state.

Noting, that although, Delta state already has a detention facility located in Sapele for children who are reprimanded by courts for one crime or the other, he said: “The school serves as a home for a child who has the capability for committing crimes but not yet in conflict with the Laws of Nigeria. Social vices are the bane behind juvenile crimes. From a research carried out by the school in October, it was found out that six out ten children are currently beyond parental control in Delta state.”

Adding, “As a matter of urgent necessity, it behooves on parents, guardians, principals, head teachers, pastors, community leaders and other key stakeholders in the state to key into the three point agenda of the Delta state governor, as they are the ordained protectors of children in our society.”

As he further lauded the first lady of Delta state, Chief (Mrs.) Roli Uduaghan; the Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs, Child and Social Development, Chief (Mrs.) Betty Efekodha and members of her ministry, for always working round the clock towards enhancing the welfare and protection of the Delta state child,  Aghogho noted that “the government must not rest on its oars as he disclosed that some criminal gangs of various networks are currently recruiting children street by street across the state for various evil missions, because children are always vulnerable.”