In a bid to wipe out the menace of ‘Pedophile’, a sexual perversion in which children are the preferred sexual object specifically, the Ogun State Government has advised parents to be more vigilant over their wards.
The State Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Funmilayo Efuwape stated this at a day sensitisation campaign at Orona town hall, Ilaro, explaining that the criminal act has become rampant, hence the need for stakeholders in a family circle to be wary of their responsibilities.
Efuwape, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Melutia Ogunremi said Pedophiles are people attracted to children, with persistent sexual interest in them, as evidence by an adult’s sexual fantasies, noting that “it is wrong to assume that someone is not a Pedophile simply because he is nice or religious”.
She added that sexual harassment on an underage is a crime and morally wrong, emphasising that the present administration would not condone such attack on minors in the State.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ogunremi urged parents to speak out whenever they notice such happenings in their environment, saying the campaign could not have come at a better time than this period.
Also speaking, a Legal Practitioner, Barr. Damola Lapite enjoined parents to take proper care of their children, educate and monitor them, to support government in eradicating the act.
One of the parents, Alhaji Saidi Ajibola, commended the State government’s effort in sensitising them, promising to play their part.
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