Bolanle Jibogun, Chairperson of the Niger State chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), has expressed worry about rising rates of child abuse in the state, urging parents to pay more attention to their children’s safety and well-being.
She spoke shortly after FIDA marked 2026 youngsters’s Day with youngsters with special needs at the Farid Centre in Minna.
Jibogun explained that the group purposefully opted to celebrate with children with special needs before the actual Children’s Day because this year’s commemoration coincided with the Sallah festivities.
“We came to show that every child is important and deserves equal love, care and protection regardless of their condition,” she stated.
She stated that, while FIDA typically visits government-owned facilities, they chose to celebrate at the privately managed Farid Centre to make the children feel loved and included.
However, the FIDA chairperson expressed concern over the increased rate of child abuse, saying that many cases are committed by people known to the victims.
“Parents must constantly know where their children are since most abuse occurs at home and is perpetrated by persons the children know. Such incidents should be recorded, and people should not be hesitant to speak out,” she said.
During the event, Amina Jumai Gimba, the Proprietor and Co-founder of Farid Centre, described the visit as a joyful and encouraging experience for the children, saying they felt energised, empowered, and loved by the presence of guests who joined them to celebrate Children’s Day and the upcoming Sallah festivities.
She urged parents not to consider children with special needs as burdens, but as God’s blessings who need love, care, and assistance to develop their skills, adding that her desire to care for such children stems from a naturally compassionate heart, not from having a child with special needs.
Hassana Maiyaki, an Investigation Officer with the National Human Rights Commission representing the State Coordinator, Dr Nuhu Mohammed, also stated that the commission has worked with the Farid Centre and FIDA to promote women’s and children’s rights.
She condemned the ongoing mistreatment of children, calling them as vulnerable members of society who cannot protect themselves.
“Children require direction and protection from their parents, society, and the government. Harming children is against the law. “Every child has the right to health, shelter, and education,” she said.
Ulmulkatum Mohammed, Director General of the Niger State Child Rights Agency, underlined the organization’s commitment to safeguarding children from all sorts of human rights violations.
She stressed that the agency is always ready to defend children’s rights and ensure justice wherever abuse occurs, and expressed happiness in celebrating the day with the youngsters at the center.