The Founder of Hassan Olawale Giwa (HOG) Foundation, Architect Hassan Giwa has called for more sensitization programmes to reduce the rate of child abuse in the society.
He made the call during the 2019 edition of Say No To Child Abuse programme organized by Happy People Magazine in partnership with his foundation.
The campaign, which was tagged “Save the Children, Save the Future” was held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado and featured a walk across major areas in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State.
Other who also participated in the walk included the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Hon. Mojeed Mogbonjubola, former Super Eagles player, Mutiu Adepoju and Mr. Olayinka Agboola, who is the Publisher of Parrot Xtra Magazine/PMParrot.com.
Arc. Giwa in his address, disclosed that important role played by parents and guardians in the proper upbringing of the children cannot be overlooked. He urged them to be more proactive in the affairs of their wards.
While commending the initiative of the Happy People Magazine for deeming it fit to organize the awareness against child abuse, Arc. Giwa called for more collaborative efforts from governments, non-governmental organizations and well-meaning individuals to put an end to the menace through regular awareness and sensitization.
The Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Seyi Makinde, Hon. Mojeed Mogbonjubola observed that child abuse is a factor that diminishes the development of a society, and the rampant indulgence in it leaves a country with no future.
He stated that the present government in the state is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring safe environment for the people of the state.
“I give all appreciation to Engr. Seyi Makinde for giving us an atmosphere of peace, and qualitative education for our youths. I equally thank Happy People Magazine, the convener of this initiative. It is not only about child abuse, but it’s for all our kids to go back to school.
“Sending a child to hawk is abuse, kids serving as Househelp is abuse, adults sleeping with young females is also child abuse. I hope that we will use this walk against child abuse to speak volume to our society, that the nearest future, people can testify that on the 14th of December, we had an effective walk against child abuse. Child abuse is a terrible thing in our society” he said.
Ex-Super Eagles player, Mutiu Adepoju urged parents and guardians to make care of their children top priority, saying that children are the future of the country and any abuse against them is abuse against the future.
He promised his support to the organizers of the campaign, noting that it is a way to save the future of the country.
Another group that also participated in the campaign was the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) as well as students of tertiary institutions in the state.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali and Kunle Daramola
