SGBV tasks parents, community, religious leaders on proper child upbringing

By Mohammed Kaka Misau

A Bauchi based Non-governmental Organization, Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) Case Management Commitee has tasked parents and Community leaders to always check the activities of their wards to prevent them from being influenced negatively by peer groups.

The deputy Chairperson of the Committee, Mrs Grace Maikudi, made the call at the committee’s monthly meeting on Sunday in Bauchi.

She said the call became imperative because the future of the children is at stake.

The deputy Chairperson enjoined community and religious leaders as well as parents to pay more attention to children’s attitudes and activities, especially as the world keeps evolving.

“Parents need to be intentional and more involved in what their children do. Children of this days are smarter than what we used to know”, she pointed out.

Mrs. Maikudi stressed that it is important for parents and community leaders to understand their environment and know how to relate with their children.

“Another thing is understanding yourself as a parent and determining to show the children things that will impact their lives positively, as they emulate all they see around them, even their attitude.” She said.

Maikudi also streeesd the need for stakeholders to intensify efforts toward tackling violence against the girl-child and Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in the state.

The deputy Chairperson explained that the committee has embarked on sensitisation and advocacy visits to traditional and religious leaders as well as Hoteliers on the dangers of SGVB.

She urged hoteliers to check the activities of clients who come into their hotels with young adolescents children, adding that the act should stop in the interest of moral upbringing of the children.

On her part, a journalist based in Bauchi, Mrs Bulak Afsa, urged parents to pay closer attention to children’s activities in order to prevent them from joining bad groups.

According to her, providing children with necessities of life should not be the end of it, but constantly checking on what they do in their presence and absence.

Afsa urged children to believe in themselves and shun all vices that can damage their future.

Our correspondent gathered that the SGBV Case Management Committee was formed by Attah Sisters Helping Hands Foundation (ASHHF) and supported by ActionAid Nigeria.

The committee comprises of representatives of health workers, lawyers, security, media, ministry of women affairs, Welfare officers, civil society Organizations and human right activists.