FG To Introduce Toll Free Line For Children To Report Abuse Against Them

As Nigeria joined the rest of the word on Monday to mark this year's Children's Day, the Federal Government, said it had completed arrangement to introduce a free toll line for children to enable them report cases of abuse against them. It also warned that those found guilty of the act would be prosecuted.

President Goodluck Jonathan read the riot act at this year's Children's Day celebration held yesterday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.


Jonathan who was represented by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, said the Federal Government was not happy over the development and, was doing everything possible to ensure the menace was put in check.

According to him, "Children are the greatest assets of any nation and the foundation on which the future of nations are built. They are the future leaders and so the best investment any nation makes on children, is worth making.

"It is imperative to note that children are 100 per cent of the future and when we protect them, we protect our future. "The administration is very much concerned about violence against women and children, especially, child trafficking, child battering and sale of babies which has become a daily occurrence in Nigeria.

Speaking further, the president said, "such act is receiving attention of this administration and those connected with this ugly trend will be brought to book in accordance with the provisions of the relevant. laws. To ensure child protection in Nigeria, the Federal Government is establishing a child helpline to protect the rights of children. The project is to enable children in any kind of crisis to call a toll free number to find help.

"It will also provide information for research and analysis relating to various types and trends of adverse incidents in different parts of the country which could be utilised towards curbing cases of violence, exploitation and abuse of children."