NYSC members take war against child abuse to the streets

Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Community Development Service (CDS) under the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and other related matters (NAPTIP) , yesterday, took to the streets in Bolade and Mafoluku communities of Oshodi, Lagos State, in an awareness campaign to protest against child labour, child abuse, prostitution and other forms of human trafficking.

During the rally which began around 9:30a.m., the corps members displayed banners, posters and placards with inscriptions such as: “Help me, child abuse is a wicked act,” “Say no to human trafficking, “We have a bright future, please don’t pollute it,” among others.

The music blaring from loud speakers attracted the attention of passersby and residents, which enabled members of NAPTIP and Social Welfare CDS groups the opportunity to enlighten the people on the ills of human trafficking and child abuse.

An official of NAPTIP’s Public Enlightenment Department, Oshodi-Isolo Local Council, Funke Kolawola, said government’s effort at combating human trafficking needs the active support of members of the public, especially mothers.

She urged parents and guardians to establish an open communication channel with their wards in order to create the necessary bonding that will allow them know the company they keep.

She also advised parents to be responsible for the upkeep of their children to prevent them from becoming vulnerable preys to child traffickers.

Youth corps members, who spoke in English, Pidgin, Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo languages, warned parents against falling prey to traffickers who promise to take their female children to greener pastures abroad.