SAPELE/Nigeria: The Sapele Legislative Arm has taken steps to strengthen the protection of the girl-child by approving a proposed bye-law seeking to restrict the use of girls for street hawking and other hazardous commercial activities during school hours.
The proposed Girl-Child Protection Bye-Law was presented and passed for first reading during a plenary presided over by the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Rt. Hon. Samuel Azu.
The initiative followed a motion on matters arising moved by Hon. Osaretin Aisien, councillor representing Ward 2, who sponsored the proposed legislation.
Under the proposal, the use of girl-children for street hawking and similar commercial activities during school hours would be prohibited, with the measure aimed at keeping children in school and reducing their exposure to avoidable dangers.
The proposed bye-law is also intended to address risks associated with children operating around roads and other public spaces, including road accidents, abuse, exploitation, harassment and trafficking.
Members of the legislative arm are expected to subject the proposal to further consideration and scrutiny as the legislative process progresses.
During the Any Other Business (A.O.B.) segment of the sitting, Hon. Inikoro Benjamin, councillor representing DSIEC Ward 16, raised concerns over the indiscriminate disposal of refuse in gutters and waterways across the area.
Benjamin appealed to health officials of the council to intensify enforcement and public sanitation activities to curb the practice and prevent the blockage of drainage channels and waterways.
The plenary was subsequently adjourned following a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Eruteyan Samson Ohiambe, councillor representing DSIEC Ward 12, and seconded by Hon. Christopher Ayomanor of Ward 5.
