By Funmj Ajumobi

The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), funded by the European Union and managed by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA), has partnered with the Child Protection Network (CPN), Lagos Chapter, to re-establish the Child Rights Implementation Committee in all local government areas of Lagos State. This initiative aims to support the state government’s efforts across various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to ensure the safety, protection, and welfare of children.

The re-inauguration and training commenced yesterday in Ikorodu and Lagos Island local government areas.

According to Mrs. Ronke Oyelakin, Coordinator of CPN Lagos, this initiative is long overdue, as little progress has been made since the committees were established in 2019 for the implementation of the Child’s Rights Law at the local government level.

Oyelakin highlighted that inadequate budgetary allocations pose a significant challenge to the law’s full implementation. She emphasized the need for all local governments to take ownership of this initiative and view it as their own project to support the state’s objectives.

She further expressed CPN Lagos’s commitment to collaborating with local governments to fulfill the mandate of eradicating all forms of violence against children.

“To commemorate International Children’s Day on November 20, 2024, CPN Lagos is diligently working to revitalize these committees and engage local governments that are yet to be inaugurated through training for all stakeholders—both state and non-state actors—across eight local governments, including Ikorodu, Shomolu, Agege, Surulere, and those yet to be inaugurated such as Ikeja, Lagos Island, Apapa, and Ajeromi-Ifelodun,” she affirmed.

In her goodwill message, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, urged the committee to continue advocating for children’s rights through legal reforms and policies that promote mindset changes, challenge harmful cultural norms, and drive legislative actions that will make the state a safer environment for children.

Mrs. Bolarinwa, represented by Mrs. Tola Sanusi, Director in the ministry’s legal department, commended the Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Honourable Wasiu Ayodeji Adesina, for his dedication to upholding children’s inalienable rights as enshrined in the law. She encouraged the committee to maintain collaboration with the government to strengthen child protection systems, ensuring that children’s voices are heard and that they can live without fear, work without limitations, and lead without hesitation.

Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, represented by Mr. Ishola Adegbenro, Director in the Directorate of Citizens Rights, noted that the state has established a robust framework through the Child Rights Law of 2015—subject to further amendments—and has set up agencies such as the Directorate for Citizens Rights, Citizens Mediation Centre, Office of the Public Defender, and Public Advice Center to safeguard every child’s rights in Lagos State.

He urged the committee to complement the state’s efforts in protecting and advancing children’s lives while addressing issues. The Commissioner also emphasized the importance of fairness in handling cases and ensuring that the best interests of children guide their advocacy amid any difficulties they may encounter in their duties.

Earlier in his speech, the Chief Host and Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government Area, Honourable Wasiu Adesina, pledged his unwavering commitment to ensuring that the rights of children are protected. He emphasized that children constitute a significant portion of the population and must be safeguarded to ensure they know and can exercise their rights.

Honourable Adesina noted that his administration has been actively working to enhance the rights of every child at the grassroots level and expressed readiness to collaborate with the British Council to elevate these efforts to a higher dimension.

The re-inauguration of the Child Rights Implementation Committee will continue with sessions scheduled for Shomolu and Ikeja on November 20, followed by Ajeromi Ifelodun, Agege, and Apapa on November 21. The Surulere committee will be inaugurated on November 29.

The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) focuses on improving access to justice for women, children, and persons with disabilities. This includes the adoption and implementation of the Child Rights Act/Law in targeted locations, enhancing civil society engagement in the criminal justice reform agenda, and facilitating access to justice for vulnerable groups.

Present at the re-inauguration were notable figures including Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, Executive Vice Chairman of Ikorodu LGA; Alhaja Rashidat Bello, Ikorodu Division APC Woman Leader; Mrs. Busola Isikalu, Head of Market Women in Ikorodu; Mrs. Bukola Owokodu, Appointed First Chairman of the Local Government Child Rights Implementation Committee; as well as CPN Executives and officers from the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), among others.