Ondo FIDA advocates for more protection of children with special needs
The Ondo State branch of the international federation of Women Lawyers FIDA has called on parents, government institutions and the society at large to intensify efforts in ensuring the protection of children with special needs.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Publicity Committee of the organisation issued and made available to the media.
The statement read that the Ondo State Chairperson of the organisation, Bolanle Olafunmiloye made the call during a joint visit made with her Secretary Nike Omotayo and the Ondo state Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists( NAWOJ) comrade Tola Gbadamosi and her team to the Director of Child Protection, Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs, Bishop Oluwaseyi Odusola on Monday 6th of January 2025.
Mrs. Olafunmiloye reacted to a recent case reported to Ondo FIDA about a six year old girl with special needs who was neglected by her parents.
The parents of the child said they neglected her due to lack of resources to take care of her and their inability to raise funds.
She explained to parents that children with special needs are vulnerable members of the society and deserve care, support, and safeguarding.
She also stated that FIDA Nigeria’s mandate is to protect the rights, interest and well being of women and children including the vulnerable in the society and would therefore not be quiet when such cases are brought to its attention.
Bolanle Olafunmiloye stated that the Child’s Rights Law 2007 of Ondo state recognizes the rights of children including children with disabilities.
” The law protects every child and makes it a duty on parents, guardians, government institutions etc to provide adequate care and protection for children in the State. ”
” The law also criminalizes offences against children including neglect and abandonment,” she stated
The statement further read that the Ministry of Women Affairs has taken up the matter and in collaboration with FIDA Ondo and NAWOJ will follow up on ensuring the child gets the necessary adequate care and treatment.
