By Olajide Omojolomoju
The Community Child Rights Convention Against Social Vices took place at the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim, Mount Sinai Provincial Headquarters, Warri last Sunday.
Convened by child right activist, Comrade Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho, the event aimed to raise awareness about social vices affecting children, promote prevention, and showcase community-driven solutions.
The convention featured a panel discussion featuring church leaders, law enforcement agents, social workers, and children, focused on preventing drug abuse, cultism, and other social vices.
Key participants included Senior Apostle Godfrey Ediale, Elder-in-Charge, Mt. Sinai HOP, and Senior. Apostle Samson Ejueyitshi, Secretary of Mount Sinai HOP respectively.
Nigerian children face numerous challenges, including poverty, lack of access to quality education, child labour, child trafficking, malnutrition, and limited healthcare. Parents struggle with economic hardship, limited access to healthcare, high living costs, and social pressures. Family-related issues include broken homes, domestic violence, parental conflict, and limited support systems.
Experts emphasize addressing complex factors influencing social behaviours, such as homosexuality, shaped by biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
The convention affirmed that homosexuality is not a mental disorder.
To tackle these challenges, collective efforts from government, communities, and organizations are necessary to ensure the well-being and protection of children and families. These include addressing poverty, improving access to education and healthcare, and strengthening support systems.
The second phase of the convention will take place during the church’s Annual Adoption Thanksgiving Service.
