The CEO of Neo-genesis Foundation, Mrs. Aniekan Ekefre, has raised alarm over increased cases of Child Sexual Abuse in Nigeria and has called for adequate awareness and to curb it.
Mrs. Ekefre made the call on Friday when her foundation visited Kings Kid Montessori School, Uyo, to enlighten pupils and staff on the various forms of Child Sexual Abuse and measures needed to curb the appalling issue.
Addressing the pupils who were basically from ages 4 to 10, Mrs. Ekefre said that it has become imperative for her foundation to wage the war against Child Sexual Abuse not just in Akwa Ibom State but in other parts of the country due to the increase in number of reported cases.
While taking the Pupils on lectures, Mrs. Ekefre cautioned them against sitting on visitor’s laps or allowing adults kiss them on the lips and other elements that tend to encourage Child Sexual Abuses.
“No matter the pressure, don’t sit on a stranger's lap, always find your separate seat to sit, also do not allow anyone kiss you on your mouth, highest should be a peck on the chin or a pat on the back. Again, do not allow anyone to touch your private parts except mum and dad while they are bathing you or a medical doctor when you are taken to the hospital, whenever someone attempts any of the things that we have discussed please shout for help. Make sure you report such a person to daddy or mummy or anyone you are staying with".
She said that her Foundation has over the years embarked on campaigns against Child Sexual Abuses and other issues affecting children.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after her presentation, the CEO said, “Basically what we came here to do today was to tell the young ones about Child Sexual Abuses, you see, most times we pretend that these things are not happening but almost every day we continue to read and hear in the media about reported cases. And you know, not all parents and kids are bold enough to report or come public when these happen. We cannot sit down and watch, rather we have to do something to enlighten these children so that they don’t fall victim”.
Mrs. Ekefre said that she will move the message to other schools both those in Urban and schools in the hinterlands. “Our target before the end of the year is to reach out to at least 70 percent of schools in the state so that we can move on to other states”.
She urged parents to ensure that they report cases of Child Abuses to appropriate quarters for persecution of offenders. “We have to expose those who engage in this crime because it is a crime the law is there to protect you.
Some of the Staff of King kids Montessori School who spoke to the Ibom Times commended Mrs. Ekefre for embarking on the campaign which they noted was timely due to the increase in reported cases.
The Pupils also took turns to list out what they learnt in the course of the seminar which was conducted with the aid of a projector.
Credits: Victor Uffot
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