Enugu’s first lady, Nkechinyere Mbah, and the Custos Care Foundation have called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to protect children against abuse, violence and aggression.

They made the call on Tuesday at a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on the protection of innocent children who are victims of aggression in Enugu.

The governor’s wife said that every child deserved an environment characterised by love, peace, security and opportunities.

Mrs Mbah, who is also the founder of the Custos Care Foundation, said many children were exposed to different forms of aggression, abuse, neglect and violence. She added that innocent children often suffered silently from circumstances beyond their control.

The first lady described the workshop as a call to action, urging stakeholders to identify gaps in child protection mechanisms and develop practical strategies to safeguard children’s rights and welfare.

Mrs Mbah called on governments, parents, schools, community leaders, security agencies and civil society organisations to work together to create safe environments for children. She also stressed the need to strengthen reporting and response mechanisms, support victims of abuse and ensure that perpetrators were held accountable.

The executive director of the foundation, Egodi Igwe, said the workshop was aimed at raising awareness about child abuse and its adverse effects on children and the wider community.

She cited the case of a 10-year-old girl from Igbo-Etiti whose relatives allegedly subjected her to various forms of abuse after she was entrusted to their care.

Ms Igwe identified sexual violence, rape, verbal and physical abuse as some of the challenges confronting children.

She also expressed concern about domestic violence between spouses, noting that exposing children to such situations could cause psychological trauma and affect their future.

(NAN)