The 5th Children’s Parliament in Ogun State today held it maiden plenary  session in the Chambers of the State House of Assembly, Oke-Mosan Mosan Abeokuta, with the passage of a resolution seeking an end to child abuse, neglect and exploitation in all parts of the State.

The sitting, which was described as first of its kind since the establishment of the Children’s Parliament in the State, was presided over by Hon. Ezekiel Favour representing children from Ifo Local Government.

The passage of the resolution to end child abuse, neglect, and exploitation followed extensive debate by the children representatives through a motion titled:  HR/02/OG/2025, putting an End to Child Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation in Ogun State.

Opening debate on the motion leading to the passage of the resolution, Hon. Faridah Odusola representing children from Ijebu-Ode Local Government, who is also the chairperson, House Committee on Women Affairs called for the enforcement of the Child Rights Act passed in 2009, so as to further protect the children from any forms of abuse.

She identified the various forms of abuse and neglect affecting children, expressing concern that an estimated 60% of children in Nigeria suffered one form of abuse or another, stressing the need for urgent action in Ogun State.

Corroborating her position, her colleagues representatives from Odeda, Abeokuta South, Ado-Odo/ Ota, and Ifo Local Government areas called for stronger policies and enforcement the relevant law to serve effective measures to protect children.

The representatives who contributed to the debate included Honourables Maksudah Mudashiru representing Abeokuta South, Olaleye Onaoluwa from Abeokuta North, Makinde Enoch for Ado Odo Ota,  Oyekoya Emmanuel from Ijebu-Ode and Hon. Ogbu Theresa from Odeda.

The Speaker of the Children’s Parliament,  Hon. Favour later directed that the resolution be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.

The motion for adjournment was moved by Hon. Ogbu Theresa and seconded by Hon. Ilori Boluwatife.

The members of the Children’s Parliament later paid a courtesy call on the Ogun State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, in company of his Deputy Speaker, Hon. Bolanle Lateefat Ajayi another lawmaker representing Ifo 1 State Constituency Hon. Folawewo Salami, where the resolution passed by the Children’s Parliament was formally presented to the Speaker.

Responding, Rt. Hon. Elemide, commended the brilliance of the children Parliament, describing them as worthy representatives of their families and the State.

He promised to adopt it as a parts of inputs that would be incorporated into the relevant laws, especially those dealing with the rights of children in the State. 

In her remarks, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, thanked the Speaker and the entire State lawmakers for the historic hosting of the Children’s Parliament at the Assembly chamber, describing the session as first of its kind.

She stated that with their commitment, zeal and ingenuity,  the children representatives were determined to excel in their future endeavours.