From Okwe Obi, Abuja
SOS Children’s Village Nigeria has charged the Federal Government to double its efforts in lifting up 18 million out of school children, warning that prolonged neglect could pit them against the system.
This was stated by the Deputy Speaker of the SOS Youth Parliament, Atulegwu Favour, during a press briefing, yesterday in Abuja.
Aside that, Favour told the government to protect school children from molestation, banditry, early marriage and effects of climate change.
“Children in Nigeria are confronted with numerous threats to their peace and well-being, ranging from hunger and environmental hazards to violence and kidnapping.
“We stand united, demanding peace through good nutrition, a clean environment, and an end to the crises plaguing our communities.
“Shockingly, around 70% of Nigerian children live in some form of poverty, often caused by neglect and abandonment.
“Even more heartbreaking is the fact that six out of ten Nigerian children experience violence, yet only a fraction receive the help they need.
“To us, peace isn’t just about not having wars or conflicts. Peace is the key to having a good education and a better life.
“Right now, children in Nigeria face so many challenges that put our peace and well-being at risk. That’s why we are starting this “Stomping for Peace” journey to demand Peace Against Child Labour and Trafficking, Peace for Quality Education, Peace Against Neglect and Abandonment among others”.
Also, a member of the SOS Youth Parliament Eyekomagba Isaac Chimezie, identified malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency as problem affecting about 2 million children.
He said: “We must come together to end violence, malnutrition, and insecurity, and ensure that every child in Nigeria grows up in a safe and nurturing environment. It is time to invest in quality education and create a future free from the threat of kidnapping and crisis.”
