By Gerald Azinge
ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Mrs Flora Alatan, has assured the National Orientation Agency of her ministry’s full involvement in the fight not just against trafficking but also against child recruitment by terrorists.t in the fi
Alatan made this known in her office at the Professor Chike Edozien Secretariat Asaba, while receiving officials from the Delta tate Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
The commissioner, who was represented by the functioning Permanent Secretary and Director for Women Affairs, Mrs. Faith Okpohworho appreciated the NOA for the already existing synergy and for making her ministry their first point of call.
She stressed that her ministry oversee the development and welfare of children in the state and would be in the forefront to give vent to the mandate.
Mrs. Alatan, relating the child recruitment process by terrorists as similar to that of child trafficking, noted that no parent in their right senses should be cajoled to giving up their children for such dastardly and horrific experiences no matter the circumstances involved.
She stated that her ministry would put up a good fight especially since this administration does not compromise the welfare of its children and assured the NOA of a fruitful partnership
She applauded the NOA for its proposed radio programmes intended to reach out and sensitize parents especially in the rural areas.
The State Director of the NOA, Mr. Chris Anyabinne pointed out that his agency and the ministry had shared a longstanding partnership and explained that it was carrying out the programme nationwide to inform people on the campaign against child recruitment by terrorists.
Anyabinne hinted that the office of the National Security Adviser to the President aimed at eradicating trafficking and the use of children as soldiers by terrorists thus the ministry as a stakeholder could not be left out especially with the alarming increased rate of children being recruited as soldiers by terrorists.
