As part of moves to shield children from abusers in Ondo State, the State government, in collaboration with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, WFD, has certified a draft of the child protection policy.

While warning child abusers to stay away from children in the State or face the full wrath of the law, the Agency Against Gender-Based Violence (OSAA-GBV) in the State and WFD agreed on strategies towards sensitising the public on the new child protection laws.

According to Adebowale Olorunmola, Country representative of WFD, the policy was implemented to shield children under the age of 18 from violence in the family, school, and street.

Olorunmola emphasised that all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, governmental institutions, security agencies, and the general public, must support and actively participate for the sustenance of the law in the State.

“There’s a consensus reached that the document is necessary for the protection of our children in schools and that schools are made conducive and welcoming for the children.

“Not only schools but other places where children encounter hardship to ensure they are protected, safe and not violated,” he said.

Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, wife of the State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who was represented by Barrister Bolanle Afolabi, appealed to parents, teachers, as well as non-teaching staff in schools to ensure conducive and welcoming environment for pupils.