BY WISDOM AGBONTA
In a bid to address contemporary issues affecting children in Edo State, the Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the Ministry of Justice, have held a stakeholders’ engagement to finalise the review of the Edo State Child Rights Law which was domesticated in 2007.
Speaking at the session, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Bisi Idaomi Esq., explained that the review process reflects the government’s firm commitment, alongside partners like the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme to protect children under a modern and comprehensive legal framework.
She stressed that the evolving nature of societal challenges and the growing complexity of issues confronting children made a responsive and updated law imperative to ensure continued effectiveness.
Chief Idaomi noted that while the 2007 Child Rights Law has served as a foundation for child protection in the state, 18 years of implementation have revealed its inadequacies in addressing emerging realities.
“This necessitated an urgent review and amendment to align the Law with present-day challenges,” she added.
Also addressing the engagement, the State Attorney Genera and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, represented by Chief Magistrate A. I. Adamaigbo, provided valuable guidance on the review process.
A comprehensive overview of the law generated insightful contributions from stakeholders, expected to improve its practicalbility and ensure alignment with current legal standards.
Once passed, the amended law will significantly enhance institutional and legal mechanisms for promoting the rights, protection, and development of children in Edo State.
Present at the meeting were Rt. Hon. Mrs. Marie Edeko Esq. of the Edo State House of Assembly; Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Dr. Washington Osa Osifo; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien; State Coordinator of RoLAC, Uche Nwokedi, among others.
