By Felix Kuyinu
The Lagos State Directorate for Citizens Law, DCR, has paid host to students in the state in creating awareness on the Child Right’s Law.
The DCR, on Monday, welcomed students from Fluorescent Secondary School, Ipaja, to the Ministry’s Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, for an understudy on the protection of the Child Right’s Law.
The Director, DCR, Adetutu Oshinusi, said that the event was held as part of the initiatives by the state’s government to foster civic responsibility and legal awareness among young people.
Oshinusi said that the DCR has an important objective of sensitizing the residents on ways in getting access to quick, free justice through the Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR.
The Director informed that the state government has implemented various initiatives alongside programs to ensure protection of the child’s right law. She added that the administration is keen in making sure that the children enjoy special care, assistance to combat a letdown of their rights.
Oshinusi said, “We are happy about the visit of you young ones and the interest taken by the management of Fluorescent School to inspire the minds of these pupils in knowing their rights as a citizens of Lagos State.
“It is important for them to understand that there are some rights they can enjoy and laws that protect them.
“The general objective of the DCR is to actively raise the awareness of the indigents in Lagos State on their fundamental rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and encourage consumer consciousness and also create a veritable tool for citizens to express their fears and expectation.
She added, “The law allows children to enjoy special care and assistance, as well as social protection which will equally foster their socio-economic welfare and enhance the successful building of the nation.
“We hope your visit sets a precedent for other schools”.
The DCR body explained that the Child Right’s Law offers provisions on education, freedom of expression, right to name and nationality, health services, right to survival and development, to mention few, regardless of their age, gender, social status or religious beliefs.
The students were urged to create awareness of the discuss at the event to the crannies of the state in making every child informed about the rights provided by the government.
A student of the school, Oludemi Anjola, spoke on the event. She said,”The experience has been incredibly enlightening and it has deepened my understanding of the Child Rights Law and its importance in the society.
“We are especially thankful to the Directorate of Citizens Rights for this invaluable opportunity and for their commitment to justice and welfare of children in Lagos State”, she said.
