The Director of Citizens Rights, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Adetutu Oshinusi has noted that it is inspiring to see young minds taking an active interest in understanding their rights and the laws that protect them.
The Director remarked during the visit by the students of Fluorescent Secondary School to the Directorate for Citizens Rights under the Lagos Ministry of Justice to understudy the Child Rights Law of the State on Monday at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
Oshinusi stated that the Directorate is responsible for implementing the State Government policy to provide access to justice, quickly and freely to all residents of Lagos State via Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
“The general objective of the Directorate 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 expectations”, she said.
The Director further explained that various initiatives and programmes have been put in place by the State Government, targeted at protecting children’s rights, especially the Child Rights Law enacted to ensure that children enjoy special care, assistance and social protection.
Commending the initiative of the school authorities to visit the Ministry, hoping that it would set a precedent for other schools, she opined that 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.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director, Mrs. Anthonia Oredipe of DCR, stated that the Child Rights Law in Lagos State has been designed to protect and promote the rights and welfare of children in the State.
She mentioned that some key rights and provisions in the Child Rights Law of Lagos State include the Right to Education, Right to Freedom of Expression, Right to Name and Nationality, Right to Health and Healthcare Services and Right to Survival and Development, amongst others.
Oredipe further explained that services provided by the Directorate are free regardless of age, gender, social status or religious beliefs. She advised the students to spread the knowledge gained during the interactive session against discrimination, child abuse and infringement of children’s rights.
The Social Welfare Officer attached to the Directorate, Mr. Adedeji Henry said that social workers play a crucial role in the implementation and enforcement of the Child Rights Law. “Some of these roles include Advocacy and Awareness, Child Protection, Case Management, Foster Care and Adoption, Support for the Vulnerable, Psychosocial Support amongst others”, he added.
Henry also noted that to ensure children’s rights are protected and promoted across various domains, the Directorate has collaborated with other stakeholders to create a safe and supportive environment for all children in Lagos State.
In her remarks, the Civic Education Teacher at Fluorescent Secondary School, Mrs. Solomon highlighted the importance of the visit, stating that the visit aims to educate the students beyond the classroom. Understanding the Child Rights Law is crucial for their development as responsible citizens who are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
“We are immensely grateful to the Lagos State Government, Ministry of Justice and the Directorate of Citizens Rights for welcoming our students and providing them with such valuable learning experience. The insights gained today will undoubtedly shape their understanding of justice and their roles in upholding it”, she said.
Whilst extending her gratitude, a student of Fluorescent Secondary School, Oludemi Anjola said that the experience has been incredibly enlightening and has deepened their understanding of the Child Rights Law and its importance in society.
