At least 10 million children have been rendered homeless and exposed to social vices following their parents’ divorce, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said yesterday.
He blamed the development on the prevailing economic challenges, which according to him, have rendered many families helpless.
The governor spoke at the inaugural national conference of Family Court Judges and Magistrates in Nigeria held at Golden Tulip Hotel, FESTAC Town, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
Ambode, represented by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Adebule, urged participants to look at the Matrimonial Causes Act and align it with the Child Rights Law when adjudicating on divorce cases.
He said divorce cases were impacting negatively on children, adding that the outcome could expose them to abuse and neglect which could hinder their effective development.
Ambode decried the rise in domestic and sexual violence against children, charging the conference to examine the trend and proffer solutions.
He said: “Our administration strongly believes in the Child Rights Law and its provisions because as parents and custodians, we have inalienable responsibility to ensure that no child is unduly deprived of the basic necessities of life, including the right to a family name, love, education, shelter and healthcare.”
Lagos Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, condemned the increasing cases of child molestation, juvenile delinquency, paedophilia, rape and domestic violence, despite sustained advocacy and laws aimed at containing them.
Justice Atilade said the judiciary’s concern for the family’s sanctity was informed by the need to preserve and protect its members, especially women and children.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Adeniji Kazeem charged the conference to focus on asset distribution among estranged couples to the children benefitted to preserve family values.
Kazeem urged the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) not to relent in ridding the society of the vice saying: “we must send a message to those who abuse our women and children that Lagos State government has a zero tolerance for such perpetrators.”
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