Yellow Card For Lagos Students

Following several reports of child abuse in the country, the Lagos State Government under the auspices of the Ministry of Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, has issued what it called, ‘Yellow Card for Child Abuse.’

The programme, which was held last week on a day the world marked Women’s Day, was attended by students from various schools in the state who marched from Allen Avenue, Ikeja, to the Deputy Governor’s office in Alausa Secretariat.

Part of the objectives of the campaign is for parents and guardians to be aware and respect the Child Rights Law in Lagos State, stop children from hawking, and of course prevent them from molestation, intimidation and frustration.

It was indeed a commendable initiative, but was almost marred by the organisers’ nonchalant attitude towards the welfare of the primary and secondary school students in attendance.

Campus Square gathered that after marching from Allen Avenue to the Deputy Governor’s office, most of the children were weak and tired, and some of them were almost collapsing. It was after series of complaints by some teachers that sausage rolls and water was given to the students.

It was further gathered that each school that participated in the programme was given a paltry N1,000 for transportation, a situation that didn’t sit well with the teachers.

When Campus Square called the Ministry of Women Affairs yesterday morning, a lady that answered the phone claimed that the ministry was unaware that the students were badly treated.