The Chairman of Badagry Local Government (BLG), Mr Olusegun Onilude, on Friday urged parents to encourage assertiveness in their children, to guard against abuse.
The Chairman gave the advice during the 4th Badagry Women Symposium 2022, organised by the Department of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Badagry Local Government.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the symposium was “Breaking Barrier Towards Domestic and Child Abuse”.
Onilude also urged women to stay safe by keeping away from violent spouses.
“A child that is abused would either become unfruitful or abusive to others, if not properly treated for such trauma.
“The memory of such abuse triggers fears, and fight and flight hormones in that child.
“Little wonder the rate of suicide amongst our younger population is alarming.
“We all must note here that abuse is not only physical but also verbal and psychological,” he said.
On domestic violence, Onilude said, ” I uphold the tenet of communal concerted effort.
“In Yoruba culture, it is said that a person gives birth to a child but the whole community trains such a child.
“This is my philosophy to break the barrier of domestic violence and child abuse.
“Let us be our brother’s and sister’s keepers. Rather than just watching, call the appropriate authorities”.
He said the symposium was organiséd to take care of those who do not have access or opportunity to come to the council.
According to him, the programme is to make them to have sense of belonging with the quality of lecture and things they receive.
The Guest Speaker, Dr Idiat Adebule, former deputy governor of Lagos and the Lagos West APC Senatorial Candidate, urged women to comport themselves in such a way that they would not be abused.
She said that people should condemn child abuse and domestic violence in all ramification.
Mrs Ramota Onilude, the Chairperson and wife of BLG chairman, said the project of every woman is her children.
“But what happens when our children are being abused? Such project becomes shaky” she said.
Mrs Risikat Padonu-Hassan, the Supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, BLG, said the symposium was aimed at emancipating Badagry women.
She commended the chairman of the council and other philanthropists for sponsoring the annual event.
NAN reports that many illustrious sons of Badagry were given awards.
Prizes such as shop at Agbalata market, Plasma TV, Freezers, Mattress, cooking pots, cylinders, pressing irons, coolers, rechargeable light were also won at the event. (NAN)
