Rethinking democratic reversals in Africa

By Emmanuel Oloniruha, News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)

Democracy is simply put as the government of the people, by the people and for the people while government is said to be responsible for creating and enforcing the rules of a society, defence, foreign affairs, the economy, and public services.

Governance similarly refers to structures and processes that are designed to ensure accountability, transparency, responsiveness, rule of law, stability, equity and inclusiveness, empowerment, and broad-based participation.

In a lecture titled “What is Democracy” in 2004, Larry Diamond posited that democracy as a system of government should have some basic elements such as a system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections; and active participation of the people, as citizens, in politics and civic life.

Others are the protection of the human rights of all citizens and a rule of law in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens.

These four major elements can be used as a yardstick to determine the strength of a democracy in a society because they contained the main ingredients that would bring much good to the majority of people through accountability and transparency.

Recently, at a webinar on the State of Democracy organised by the West African Elders Forum, an initiative of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), the body urged African leaders to put citizens’ welfare, peace, and security at the centre of governance in order to consolidate democracy in the region.

With the theme, “Making meaning of democratic reversals in West Africa” the participants examined the challenges to democratic governance in the region and how best to advance democracy amid the growing trend of coups and unconstitutional change of government.

The speakers at the virtual meeting also urged governments, regional and sub-regional bodies, to invest more in citizen-centric initiatives that would help serve as a buffer against threats to democracy.

They also called for strengthening democratic frameworks in countries to ensure accountability and guarantee free and credible elections.

The panellists noted that a decline in the region because of the poor state of governance had led to frustration and trust deficit between citizens and government.

They called for the rethinking of democracy in the continent to address citizens’ contemporary realities.

After the recent coup in Niger Republic, the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government rose against such unconstitutional takeover of democratically elected government and expressed the fear that if not properly handled it would form a pattern in the region.

President Bola Tinubu, who is the current Chair of the ECOWAS Authority, strongly condemned the situation and called for the immediate reinstatement of the dethroned President Mohamed Bazoum, while putting in place several sanctions against the military leaders including the use of military actions as a last resort.

“We will not allow coup after coup in the West African sub-region. We will take this up seriously with the African Union, European Union, America and Britain,” he said in his acceptance speech as the Chair, adding that “we will take it up, it is a challenge.”

Between August 2020 and now, five coups have occurred in three West African countries – Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea with attempts in The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau foiled.

Nigeria’s neighbour to the North, Chad, had an unconstitutional change of government led by Lt. Gen. Mahamat Idriss Déby after his father’s death in 2021.

Mr Tinubu noted that although democracy is very tough to manage, it is the best form of government and countries of the region should ascribe to it.

“I make a pledge here that in furtherance of our region’s economic recovery and growth, we will commit to democracy and promote democracy and the rule of law. I am with you and Nigeria, we are back,” he pledged.

Acknowledging that he is the new kid on the block, the new Nigerian president said ECOWAS must bite back and cannot sit as a toothless bulldog, adding that “we will work collectively to pursue inclusive economic integration of the sub-region.”

In an article, Sebastian Elischer, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Florida, examined four key variables and their influence on coup outcomes.

These are: the internal coherence of the armed forces, the ability of civil society organisations and political parties to mobilise against the junta, the deployment of donor leverage and trade dependency on regional and western partners.

Of these, he argues that the two that matter the most are: the internal cohesion of the military and the vibrancy of civil society groups.

Former Vice President Fatoumata Tambajang of the Gambia, who also runs a CSO, in her contributions at the webinar by the WAEF, attributed democratic reversal in the region to political leaders’ disregard for normative values of democracy and inability to deliver on their political promises.

“It is time to rethink democracy within our context. First of all, what are the factors leading to democratic decline?

“The context in the Sahel is complex because we have civil leaders who are not ready to respect the constitutions and civil institutions. They are also not ready to deliver on their democratic promises.

“Most of our leaders believe that after soliciting for votes and getting victory at the polls, they forget to deliver their promises to the people. Citizens are getting more aware and saying they are tired of voting and not seeing results.

“They are saying we want decent lives; we want food in our homes; we want security and competent people in the civil service who can deliver on services. They are equally saying we want equal opportunity, gender equality,” Tambajang said.

Also, Mr Remi Ajibewa, former Director, Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security at Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Commission, suggested that ECOWAS should focus more on citizens than incumbent presidents.

Ajibewa highlighted the many initiatives ECOWAS had done to safeguard democracy in the sub-region.

“We intend to see civilian coups, which manifest in referendums, popular uprising, military-assisted transition, and constitutional review after the election. It’s not that ECOWAS has not been doing well. It is a problem of perception.

“Citizens within the continent see ECOWAS as a body more interested in securing the regime of incumbent presidents and not working for the people’s interests. ECOWAS needs to move from ECOWAS of the government to ECOWAS of the people,” he said.

Ajibewa also said that safeguarding democracy in the continent required collective effort and urged stakeholders to work towards protecting and promoting democracy in the region.

“All of us, from civil society to member states, to ECOWAS, AU to the UN, all have a role to play. We need to mobilise to strengthen member states institutions to have a peaceful and inclusive electoral system,” Ajibewa said.

The Executive Director of Sahel Institute for Democracy and Governance, Mr Moussa Kondon, called on ECOWAS to redouble its efforts to protect democracy in the sub-region.

Kondon, also a panellist at the webinar, said that with ECOWAS, it was always negotiations and tonnes of negotiations while people were suffering.

“With globalisation, people have access to information and are more informed than before. ECOWAS must proactively engage and uphold its relevant instruments, especially those promoting democracy and good governance,” he said.

The Executive Director, GJF, Ann Iyonu, described the views and opinions of the participants as not only commendable but enlightened and useful in addressing the menace.

Iyonu expressed GJF continued commitment to supporting and promoting critical projects and discussions that are capable of promoting good governance and deepening of democracy in Africa.

“We at GJF we’ll continue to do the work we do on the foundation and try to protect the integrity of our democratic process.

“I assure you that on behalf of the Foundation and WAEF we remain committed to ensuring that democracy strives not only in the West Africa sub-region but the Africa continent.

Mr Ismail Abdulaziz, a senior editor with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), in his contribution, called on CSOs to strengthen democracy in Africa through the enlightenment of people and the leaders on what constitutes good governance.

“There is also need for the CSOs to hold power to account and to get the buy-in of the ruling party by not acting as alternative government.”

Abdulaziz believed that WAEF was also growing into respectable leader’s views in having good governance and constitutional government in the region.

“As democracy evolve in Africa, the issue of terms for leaders will be resolved and it will serve as a model for other democracies,” Abdulaziz said

Some analysts said that the major reasons for coups and its acceptance in Africa cannot be divorced from the lack of democratic dividends for the population.

They, however, added that in spite of peoples hope for a better future with the coupists, they may not deliver the expectations of the people in the region.

Other analyst believes that a true form of democracy with an inbuilt checks and balance through separation of powers among the different arms of government is another way to ensure that reversal of constitutionally elected governments did not continue to gain ground in the region.

Out of at least 242 successful military coups that have occurred globally since 1950, Africa accounts for the largest number at 106. This is a trend that need to be contained by all stakeholders.(NAN)

**If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)

By Justina Auta, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Mrs Mercy Abu, 26 year-old mother of three and an Abuja resident said none of her babies was breastfed because she feared her breast would sag or lose shape due to breastfeeding.

She thinks she will lose her attraction to her husband if she loses her firm breast, something she assumes will not augur well for her marriage.

Mercy is like many women who share the same belief about breastfeeding and its relationship with sagging of breast.

They think it will make them unattractive, cause their spouses to dislike them, and push their partners to seek the embrace of women with firmer and standing breasts.

The myths attached to breastfeeding and saggy breasts compel some women to seek alternative means of providing milk for their babies, rather than allowing them to suckle their breasts.

They, therefore, resort to alternative sources of milk such as infant formula, cereal, and pap. Some of them even procure it from breast milk sellers.

Worried by the shape of their breasts some women go as far as undergoing surgeries to enhance their shape, size and firmness.

Sometimes, this comes at a cost as some of the procedures later fail and leave the breasts worse than they were.

However, nutritionists are of the opinion that breastfeeding does not cause the breast to sag nor does it trigger reduction in size and loss of shape.

They are of the opinion that though breasts go through many changes, especially ahead of childbirth, it is not a major factor in breast sagging as popularly held by many women.

Dr Temidayo Odebunmi, Head, Infant and Young Child Feeding, Nutrition Division, Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), during a recent training for National Media Team on Nutrition dispelled the misconception that breastfeeding causes breast sagging and distortion.

According to her, certain factors such as little or no exercise, unbalanced diet; lack of good support like wearing bra and others contribute to the non-firmness of the breast.

“The breasts sag as a woman grows older, the firmness of a breast is affected by the age and other factors, not necessarily breastfeeding’’, she said.

Similarly, Mrs Grace Mogekwu, Chief Scientific Officer, Social Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC), FMoH, said breast change happens naturally with age.

She said as a woman grows older she likely begins to notice the loss of elasticity and firmness of breasts due to the hormonal changes arising from menopause.

She attributed breast sagging to weight loss or gain, exercise without support, genetics, gravity, number of pregnancies, size and shape and smoking.

As some women deny their infants breast, particularly in their first six months of their birth, experts say the practice has negative consequences for infants.

They say it is one of the factors that contribute to malnutrition, stunted growth, child mortality rates, and other health challenges among children.

Ms Patricia Deworitshe, Director, Media and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health, said only two per cent of infants under age 6 months found to be exclusively breastfed.

According to her, only 42 per cent of them are breastfed within the first hour of birth.

“To achieve a higher impact on malnutrition reduction such as stunting, the coverage of nutrition sensitive and nutrition specific interventions among the targeted population should be 80 per cent and above”, she advised.

She said balancing career demands, domestic chores and maintaining the household were among the challenges affecting effective breastfeeding among working class women.

She identified myths, early return to work after childbirth and lack of a conducive breastfeeding environment, especially in workplaces as hindrances to breastfeeding.

Mr Babajide Adebisi, Deputy Director, Nutrition International, while encouraging exclusive breastfeeding, urged nursing mothers to consume healthy food, maintain a healthy lifestyle and wear supporting clothes to ensure they lactate well and maintain their breast size and shape.

He said exclusive breastfeeding was the best source of nourishment for infants and young children.

According to him, it helps to protect children from several common childhood illnesses, physical, mental and cognitive growth and increases the bond between mother and child.

“The importance of breastfeeding cannot be overemphasised as it is beneficial both to the mother and her baby.

“Not only does it help to meet the baby’s nutritional needs it also creates a bond between the mother and the child“, he said.

The government in partnership with stakeholders have been carrying out advocacies to encourage exclusive breastfeeding.

They say breast milk is readily available, cheap, safe, clean and gives the child the first protection against many common childhood illnesses.

There have been advocacies to ensure breastfeeding beyond six months of exclusivity even up to two years of age or beyond.

Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum (NGWF) has joined in the advocacy for the implementation of six-months paid maternity leave for nursing mothers and two weeks for fathers to support optimum breastfeeding practices.

Dr Olufolake Abdulrazak, wife of Kwara governor, who represented NGWF, at the launch and news briefing commemorating 2023 edition of World Breastfeeding Week called for an enabling environment for working class nursing mothers to breastfeed.

Also, Dr Nemat Hajeebhoy, UNICEF’s Chief Nutrition Officer, said a child’s development is not complete without breast milk.

Hajeebhoy also said the Convention on the Child Rights, stipulates access to adequate nutrition, which begins at birth within the first hour of breastfeeding, being essential as the first immunisation.

She explained that Nigeria has over 18 million employed women, but only nine per cent of the organisations in the country offer breastfeeding support.

Also, Dr Walter Mulombo, Country Representative, World Health Organisation (WHO) reiterated the commitment of the organisation towards raising awareness and galvanising action that enable breastfeeding in the workspace.

Mr Adebiyi Folorunsho, Permanent Secretary, FMoH, said breastfeeding provides energy and nutrients for the child’s development.

Adebiyi said it reduces the burden of malnutrition, infectious diseases and mortality, while also minimising the risk of obesity and chronic diseases in later life.

He added that breastfeeding mothers were also protected from chronic diseases including breast and ovarian cancer, Type 2 diabetes, as well as increased productivity at the workplace and saved monetary expenses on milk.

A body fit expert, Sunny Joshua, suggested certain practices that can keep the breast in good shape such as exercise, drinking plenty of water, healthy weight, practicing good posture, appropriate bra size, amongst others.

Though there are myths surrounding breastfeeding, the reality is that it is healthy for both mother and child hence it is important that every nursing mother should embrace it. (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

News Analysis by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The global animation market size was valued at US$ 354.7 billion in 2020. Since the creation of the Black Panther comic into a movie, the world has seen a burgeoning of interest and investments into African Content.

It is always interesting to watch animation at any age. Seeing animation in today’s world, which has devoted a lot of its productions to it, can be a part of daily life.

For several years now, Iranian animations have heated up the market of this festival and animation productions in Iran have grown well. However, many are of the view that there are still shortcomings in its supply.

Of course, an attractive plot and the creativity of animators are also important in the production of animations, which is felt in Iranian animations.

Dr Alireza Mohammadinigjeh, an Abuja-based producer, scriptwriter, and media consultant and producer of an animated film titled ‘Mina va Doustan’ is one of the best-animated movies in Iran.

He spoke on ways that Iran and Nigeria can expand cultural and artistic cooperation through animation.

Animation in multimedia is more than necessary for modern business promotion. With the help of animation, it will be easier and simpler to develop your storyline and the characters while producing incredible explainer videos for your company.

Animation has allowed storytellers to tell stories in unique ways. The visceral fantastical worlds in animated films can reignite inspiration and the magic of stories no matter what age.

“So if you’re a storyteller, or want to be, animation is a great place to start,” he said.

According to him, animation is a method of photographing successive drawings, models, or even puppets, to create an illusion of movement in a sequence. Because our eyes can only retain an image for approximately 1/10 of a second, when multiple images appear in fast succession, the brain blends them into a single moving image.

“In traditional animation, pictures are drawn or painted on transparent celluloid sheets to be photographed. Early cartoons are examples of this, but today, most animated movies are made with computer-generated imagery or CGI.

“To create the appearance of smooth motion from these drawn, painted, or computer-generated images, frame rate, or the number of consecutive images that are displayed each second, is considered.

“Moving characters are usually shot “on twos” which just means one image is shown for two frames, totalling 12 drawings per second. 12 frames per second allow for motion but may look choppy.

“In the film, a frame rate of 24 frames per second is often used for smooth motion. There are different types of animation. They are:

-Traditional Animation
-Rotoscoping
-Anime
-Cutout
-3D Animation
-Stop Motion
-Motion graphic,” he added.

Mohammadinigjeh says in the lower hall of the National Museum of Iran, there is a special showcase. A glass showcase is empty all around and a clay cup shines in the middle, a cup that is a sign of the peak of art, ingenuity, and creativity of the people of the burnt city.

“Many researchers have considered the date of the burnt city to be the same as the Bronze Age and the same period as Jiroft civilisation. This ancient site is located in the south of Sistan and Baluchistan.

“The most important work of art discovered from the ancient site of Burnt City is a clay jar with the world’s first “moving picture” or “animation” on it.

“On the body of this cup, a goat is depicted in five different positions, each of which is a continuation of the previous one. In the first picture, the goat is standing in front of the tree, and in the next four pictures, it moves towards it and feeds from this tree.

“This is the first animation in the world. Related to Iranian civilisation,’’ the consultant said.

Mohammadinigjeh said in Nigeria, which is home to the world’s second-largest film industry, animators and cartoonists are struggling to make a name for themselves in Nollywood.

Although there is a scarcity of formal training opportunities in the animation space, many Nigerian animators are carving a niche for themselves by creating local production and animated short movies.

‘Iwájú’, which has been described as Nigeria’s first animation series, is expected to be released soon by Walt Disney Animation Studios and the pan-African British-based entertainment company Kugali Media.

It will be set in a futuristic version of Lagos and will explore themes of inequality, class divide, and coming of age.

“Studio executives and streaming services are taking a critical look, even though they are not doing a lot to change the situation.

“A lot of animation professionals have to go outside our borders to experience real value conversion. Animation takes longer and is more expensive.

“With more partnerships and investment, Nigerian animation will improve significantly,” he said.

According to PR Newswire, the total value of the global animation industry was projected to reach $270 billion by 2020. The streaming market for animation content peaked at $ 2.9 billion in 2018 and is experiencing growth at an annual rate of 8 percent.

Animation is capital-intensive and involves different sections and processes of production which require specialised skills.

The absence of an adequate training hub to train animators is another challenge that the industry faces.

Most animators in Nigeria are self-taught as there are few animation training centres in the country. (NANFeatures)(www.nannews.ng)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.**

Abdulrahman Kadiri

By Kadiri Abdulrahman, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

At the inauguration of Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, chaired by Mr Taiwo Oyedele, President Bola Tinubu said his administration is committed to breaking the cycle of over reliance on borrowing to fund public expenditure.

The implication of this practice is rising public debt and the burden of debt servicing that it places on the management of Nigeria’s limited government revenues.

Tinubu charged the committee to improve the country’s revenue profile and business environment as the Federal Government moves to increase the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio to 18 per cent within three years.

He directed the committee not to fail to achieve its one-year mandate, which is divided into three main areas of fiscal governance, tax reforms, and growth facilitation.

He also directed all government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to cooperate fully with the committee towards achieving their mandate.

“Our aim is to transform the tax system to support sustainable development while achieving a minimum of 18 per cent tax-to-GDP ratio within the next three years.

“Without revenue, government cannot provide adequate social services to the people it is entrusted to serve.

“The committee, in the first instance, is expected to deliver a schedule of quick reforms that can be implemented within thirty days.

“Critical reform measures should be recommended within six months, and full implementation will take place within one calendar year,” the President said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria’s public debt stock as at December 31, 2022 stood at N46.25 trillion equivalent to 103.11 billion dollars.

According to Debt Management Office (DMO) the public debt stock of the country consists of the domestic and external debts of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the sub-national governments.

The DMO is the Federal Government agency established to coordinate the management of national debts.

It has recognised the dire need for the government to reduce its dependence on borrowing to finance budget deficits by generating more revenues.

Director-General, Patience Oniha, told NAN that Nigeria had operated deficit budgets for many decades, which made borrowing from local and external sources imperative.

“The financing of the deficits through borrowing from local and external sources is the principal reason for the growth in debt stock and debt servicing.

“One way to reduce budget deficits is to grow revenues; the other way is to prioritise expenditure and cut waste and leakages.

“How much revenue is Nigeria generating? Statistics show that relative to other countries, Nigeria’s revenue generation is low.

“The World Bank World Economic Outlook for 2020 showed that Nigeria, with a revenue-to-GDP ratio of 6.3 per cent, was ranked 194 out of 196 countries covered,’’ she said.

She said that a strong revenue base would reduce the need for relatively large amounts of new borrowing, and will also reduce the debt service to revenue ratio.

“Revenue generation is the way to go and that is how countries develop and use borrowing to augment revenue shortfalls now and again.

“Nigeria has been running budget deficits for decades; it is about time to shift to balanced budget and even budgets surplus,’’ she said.

Oniha, said that in terms of composition, total domestic debt stock stood at N27.55 trillion or 61.42 billion dollars, while total external debt stock was N18.70 trillion or 41.69 billion dollars.

“Among the reasons for the increase in total public debt stock is new borrowing by the Federal Government and sub-national governments, primarily to finance budget deficits and execute projects.

“The issuance of promissory notes by the Federal Government to settle some liabilities also contributed to growth in the debt stock,” she said.

She, however, said that on-going efforts by the Federal Government to increase revenue from oil and non-oil receipts through initiatives like the Finance Acts and the Strategic Revenue Mobilisation Initiative were expected to support debt sustainability.

Concerned Nigerians and financial experts have, over the years, advised the Federal Government on the need to improve revenue generation to reduce dependence on borrowing.

An economist, Dr Tope Fasua, suggested that the government would need to optimise revenue generation to cut down on borrowings.

Fasua advised that every state needed to take concrete steps to improve revenue generation for the economy to grow sustainably.

He urged the private sector to always cooperate with the government in its revenue drive rather than antagonise such initiatives.

“The private sector kicks anytime government proposes a tax increase, no matter how insignificant. It has turned itself into an enemy of government,” he said an interview with NAN.

According to him, the Nigerian government will also need to get its expenditure priorities right.

“We have a debt problem, we have a revenue problem and we have an expenditure problem.

“Although debt-to-GDP ratio is not high compared to other countries, Nigeria needs to start spending wisely and generating more revenues,” he said.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also has also waded in, urging the Federal Government to take steps to increase the country’s revenue base.

Ari Aisen, Resident Representative, IMF Nigeria Office, during a recent virtual forum on the Nigerian debt situation, advised the government to drastically reduce dependence on borrowing to fund expenditure.

According to Aisen, to resolve the debt issues of Nigeria the country needs to concentrate on its revenue and expenditure.

He said that the debt situation had deteriorated because the Federal Government spent more than it was actually getting in revenues.

“How do you reduce the spending needs of the government? That should be the question.

“It is really about fiscal discipline. People should not permanently spend beyond what they generate in revenue because it becomes unsustainable,” he said.

Though, stakeholders generally agree that there is nothing bad in borrowing to finance budget deficits and critical infrastructure they however, suggest that for debt to be sustainable, revenue generation should be prioritised.

As the Federal government takes steps to boost the country’s revenue base through tax and other fiscal reforms, Nigerians expect that borrowing will soon cease to be a primary source of funding for the country’s budgets. (NANFeatures)(www.nannews.ng)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.**

By Justina Auta, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The girl hawking sachet water ran in pursuit of the bus, laying curses at the bus conductor, who had stretched out his hands and touched her breast before stealing one sachet from the plastic on her head.

Blessing, roughly 13 years old going by her looks, cried out as she pursued the commercial bus which was already gaining speed to avoid arrest by law enforcement agents who were checking for expired vehicle particulars.

Blessing lost both parents in a road traffic accident and has to stay with an aunt.

Scowling at the grinning conductor in jest of her predicament, she wondered how she would replace or pay the money for the sachets of water has lost to fraudulent individuals that day, seven in all.

The fear of receiving a beating from her aunt made her reconsider Musa, the sugarcane seller’s earlier proposed sex at least she is sure of N500 from him. The money will go a long way in defraying the shortage she has incurred after the day’s business.

Blessing, like so many vulnerable children vulnerable to sexual exploitation, trafficking, organ harvesting, forced labour and other criminal and harmful practices.

Her story reflects abuses. neglects, and exploitation that many children in developing countries go through daily and reinforces the urgent need for the society to take concrete actions towards protecting them.

Blessing’s morbid fear of the consequences of the shortage she incurred in the course of the day’s child labour typifies that the traumatic life of abused, exploited, maltreated, and vulnerable children.

Due to these mentally challenging situations coupled with economic hardship kids such as blessing become easy prey for hardened criminals seeking for new members to join their folds.

This has dire consequences for the future of the kids and safety of the society. According to sociologists, the lack of stringent government policies and their effective implementation of existing have created an environment conducive for child exploitation.

UNICEF’s statistics on abused and exploited children in Nigeria is worrisome.

“Six out of every 10 children experience some form of violence– one in four girls and 10 per cent of boys have been victims of sexual violence.

“Of the children who reported violence, fewer than five out of a 100 received any form of support.

“The drivers of Violence Against Children (VAC) are rooted in social norms, including around the use of violent discipline, violence against women and community beliefs about witchcraft, all of which increase children’s vulnerability”, a UNICEF report said.

Dr Gabriel Oyediji said Nigeria is grappling with a myriad of social issues that have contributed to the increasing number of orphaned and vulnerable children within the society.

Oyediji, National president, Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), said this during a recent conference for members of the association.

“We cannot overlook the issue of child trafficking and exploitation, which poses a significant threat to the well-being of orphaned and vulnerable children.

“Criminal elements often prey on these children, exploiting their vulnerability for various purposes, including forced labor, sex trafficking, and organ harvest.

“We must be vigilant and implement stringent safeguards to protect the children under our care from such heinous acts,” he said.

Oyediji recognises the fact that orphanage home and caregivers cannot do the job.

“We must collaborate with law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to create a robust child protection system that ensures the safety and security of every child”, he advanced.

Oyediji called for a review of existing laws and policies that defined the rights and protection of orphans and vulnerable children in Nigeria will address these challenges and enable the children reach their potential.

He said the association would continue its advocacy in that regard.

Mr Nuhu Kwajafa, Director-General and National Coordinator of the Global Initiative for Peace, Love, and Care (GIPCL), urged more governments’ commitment in addressing the plights of orphans and vulnerable individuals in society.

He highlighted the dire circumstances faced by many Nigerian children and urged Nigerians to take the necessary steps to alleviate their suffering.

“If every Nigerian should do the right thing, this will go a long way. So many Nigerian children are dying every day.

“Last December, we had an end of year party for 5,000 orphans and we wrote to all the governors, ministers and MDAs asking for education materials. None of them responded.

“We were not asking for money; we just needed education materials,” he said.

According to Mrs Rifkatu Ademola-Bello, Founder and Executive Director of Focusing on Women and Girls Initiative for Positive Change (FOWGI), insecurity and economic hardship are major factors that expose children to labour, sexual and gender-based violence, and other negative practices.

She advocated stringent measures to prosecute offenders and ensure the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) with economic empowerment to reduce the prevalence of girls from conflict-affected areas being exploited as housemaids.

The Federal Government says it is not unaware of its roles in mitigating the challenge of child exploitation, abuse and trafficking, among other ills.

Mrs Monilola Udoh, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, while meeting with the UN Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, said in addition to domestic efforts, the government was also partnering international bodies to address the anomaly.

Udoh said the Federal Government had ratified the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD), while the Child Rights Act has also been domesticated in 35 States of the Federation; as well as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.

Although Nigeria adopted the Child Rights Act (CRA) in 2003 to uphold the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the effective implementation of these rights remains a challenge.

Some of these rights include the right to health, education, family life, play and recreation, an adequate standard of living and to be protected from abuse and harm.

Though these rights have since been adopted and domesticated in virtually all the states of the federation, and FCT, the effective implementation has remained a challenged.

Consequently, crimes against children still persist.

UN agency UNICEF, Save the Children International, ActionAid, among other Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) advocate effective implementation of the CRA to address child labour, sexual exploitation, human and organ trafficking affecting children and vulnerable in Nigeria.

They are conscious of the role the Act can play in addressing the challenge posed by the menace. (NANFeaures)

**If used please credit writer and News Agency of Nigeria