Minister: Judiciary and police must support the fight against child abuse

Dame Pauline Tallen, minister of women affairs, says there is a need for the judiciary and police to support the fight against child abuse.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Cece Yara Child Advocacy centre in Abuja on Monday, Tallen said it has become imperative for all to stakeholders to collaborate to curb the menace of child abuse.

Tallen lamented the increasing reports of child abuse across the country, adding that the ministry will provide the necessary support to address the issue.

“I urge the police and judiciary to support this fight, because without the action, cases of gender-based violence will suffer,” she said.

“Partnership is key in issues of gender-based violence, that is why I am assuring Cece Yara Foundation of my ministry’s partnership and full support. We are going to work together. This is a top priority for my ministry, because the child is the future of tomorrow.

“It is the responsibility of all well-meaning Nigerians to support and protect the child because it is our responsibility.

“Today’s event is very significant particularly because we are commissioning this edifice of the Cece Yara foundation to protect and support our children that are abused.

“This is coming at a very right time as we commemorate the international day for the elimination of violence against women and children. It is 16 days of activism. I am very sad about the high incidences of children molestation and women abuse in our country.”

She urged the foundation to explore the services of other child-focused organisations to ensure that vulnerable groups in the country have access to their services.

Bola Tinubu, founder of the child advocacy centre, said the organisation will offer immediate physical, medical, mental and legal aid to survivors.

Tinubu said the centre will continue to collaborate with government and private agencies in ensuring that the Nigerian child is safe and justice is served where required.

“What we need to do to reach out and help them is to provide them the necessary space for them to come and disclose their abuse, and for us to hold perpetrators to account,” Tinubu said.

“If we do not hold the perpetrators to account, we will not stop the abuse. We have to deter them by sending them a real good message that they will go to jail if they continue to molest children.”