October 25, 2023

The Ministry of Youth and Social Development has come to the aid of a young boy who is alleged to have been abused by his Guardian.

Commenting on the development, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende explained that the intervention followed a report received from a concerned citizen after the video of the victim went viral on social media.

The Commissioner, who confirmed that the Ministry has embarked on massive advocacy and enlightenment campaigns to curb all forms of abuse in the State, expressed concern over the situation, adding that the Ministry will provide necessary support for the child’s safety.

“The Ministry has organised a series of advocacy and enlightenment campaigns to curtail all forms of abuse in our communities. This effort requires the support of every member of the society”, he said.

Applauding the courage of the concerned citizen who reported the case, Ogunlende implored everyone to get involved in the mission of eradicating abuses in the State by expressing their concerns and providing necessary information to help victims of such abuse.

“Just like this case involving the innocent child, we want people to come forward to report cases like this. We will not delay in responding just to save a life. This is the reason we are here”, the Commissioner affirmed.

Also speaking on the issue, the Permanent Secretary, Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu stated that the Ministry would not hesitate to respond to every issue brought to its notice because the government will not allow any of her citizens to be subjected to any form of abuse regardless of their status.

The concerned citizen, who reported the issue to the Ministry, revealed that she reported the case to the Ministry with the belief that the government remains the best institution that can safeguard the life of the abused child.

According to her, “I am glad the Ministry of Youth and Social Development wasted no time in responding to this incident. With this prompt response and coordinated effort, I will encourage other members of the public to report cases of any abuse to the appropriate authorities to deter perpetrators from such debasing acts.