By Chioma Obinna

Except Federal Government begins immediate implementation of the provision of the Child Rights Act which it adopted eight years ago, the purpose and benefits of the Act would continue to have little or no impact on the lives of Nigerian children.

Lack of commitment towards the Act by those in authority, which has caused millions of Nigerian children to be at the mercy of poverty, hunger, illiteracy, disease, squalour, war, slavery and other forms of bondage, must be stopped once and for all.

Orphaned and Vulnerable Children during a get together organised by Hopo Worldwide in collaboration with Humanity Family Foundation (HUFFPED), Olive Leaf Charity Organisation (OLCF) and Children Emergency Relief Foundation,

This was the submission by stakeholders in child issues who lamented that since the passage of the Act in 2003, just 21 states have adopted it while others are floundering.

The argued that to make matters worse, none of the States that have adopted the Act have begun implementation. Thus, the fate of these children hangs in the balance.

Speaking at a get together organised by Hope Worldwide Nigeria in collaboration with Humanity Family Foundation (HUFFPED), Olive Leaf Charity Organisation (OLCF) and Children Emergency Relief Foundation, Executive Director, HUFFPED Mr. Henry Adenigba indicted the Nigerian government at all levels for failing to support the Child Rights Act.

Adenigba who called for formation of a Committee on Child Protection in Communities across the 36 states of the Federation including Abuja, said, it should be drawn from the various ministries concerned with children, civil society organisations, The Police and prisons among others, will be responsible for massive creation of awareness about the Child Rights Act as well as monitor the implementation.

Giving insight into the challenges facing Nigerian Children especially OVC, Executive Director, OLCF, Mr. Yemi Osilaja stressed the need for governments, parents and caregivers to recognise their responsibility to ensure a better future for children.

Osilaja who was represented at the occasion, said although, Nigeria has remained faithful to the observance of the day said issues concerning children should be far beyond observance of Children’s Day.

Statistics show that Nigeria has one of the largest number of OVC in the world. A situation analysis of OVC in 2008 revealed that 17.5 million Nigerian children fall into this category and this accounts for 24.5 per cent of the total population of children in Nigeria (2008 SAA on OVC In Nigeria; FMWASD).

Among factors responsible for this high prevalence is HIV & AIDS, high maternal mortality and ethno- religious conflicts, poverty, conflict, negative cultural practices and gender inequality.

Osilaja said the organisation decided to organise the programme with the theme: “Community Response to the Plight of Children” to create an environment where less privileged children can socialise like other children. “Also, we want to use the event to sensitise stakeholders on the plight of orphans and vulnerable children and that was why different stakeholders from government, communities, and religious circles were being invited to discuss how the needs of less privileged children can be met.

The children also called on the government, NGOs and other stakeholders to address the various problems threatening their future.