The Akwa Ibom State Government has reiterated its efforts in prosecuting offenders of the Child's Right Law in the state.
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State gave the assurance on Sunday during the Thanksgiving Service to commemorate the 2017 National Children's Day Celebration held at Mount Zion Light House Full Gospel Church, Mbiabong Anyanya, Uyo.
The Governor who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr Glory Emmanuel Edet, said the enforcement of the law is in full force and warned those who engage in activities capable of truncating the future of children in the State to desist from them forthwith.
Enumerating on the Year's Theme: Child Protection And The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Issues And Opportunities, Dr Edet said the protection of children in the state is the collective responsibility of everyone.
"There is no way you can talk of development goals without protecting your children. I want to emphasize on the need for people to treat all children equally irrespective of their status. Those who violate the rights of children in the state will be dealt with accordingly", she added.
She appreciated the Governor for approving the activities for the year's celebration as well as to the Church for approving the use of their auditorium for the Thanksgiving Service.
The Bishop of Cathedral, His Lordship, Bishop P. J. Udokang who delivered the homily advised parents and caregivers to raise up children according to Christian ethics.
Drawing his inspiration from Ephesians 6:5, the Cleric said, "A Corrupt child impairs development. Don't provoke your children to corruption. Until we take care of our children very well, then we can think of development.
"There can be no development without hardwork. When you think of development, think of eradicating corruption".
The Cleric harped on the need for parents to be careful of their negative influence on their children and maintained that "Nothing good can emanate from a corrupt system".
Highpoints of the event were Special prayers for the parents, the Governor, the State, all arms of Government, the country and Special thanksgiving by the Ministry on behalf of the children of Akwa Ibom State led by the Ministry's boss, Dr Glory Emmanuel Edet.
Those in attendance included members of the State Executive Council, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly members, Directors from the Women Affairs Ministry, Senior Citizens, women groups and school children among others.
The week-long celebration which began with a Solemn Assembly also featured an Essay Writing Competition among Schools in the state, will continue with a Debate Competition and Children's Parliament Sitting, tomorrow, May 22nd, 2017 and a Children's Party on May 24th, 2017 by the Governor’s wife at Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo by 2.00pm and will climax with a Match Past on May 27th, 2017 by School Children across the state at the Uyo Township Stadium.
Source.... © Ibom Reporters
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