Miscreants Caught Selling Babies Will Be Prosecuted – Jonathan

As children in Nigeria marked Children's Day
2013 yesterday, the Federal Government has
expressed concern over increase in sale of babies
in the country, warning that those found guilty
of the act would be made to face the wrath of the
law.
To further ensure child abuse reduces in the
country, the FG also said it has completed
arrangement to introduce a free toll line for
children to report incidences of abuse against
them.
Reading the riot act at this year's Children's Day
celebration in Abuja, President Goodluck
Jonathan who was represented by Minister of
Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala
Mohammed, said the Federal Government was
sad over the development and, was doing
everything possible to ensure the menace was
put in check.
"Children are the greatest assets of any nation
and the foundation on which the future of
nations are built. They are the future leaders and
so the best investment any nation makes on
children, is worth making.
"It is imperative to note that children are 100 per
cent of our future and when we protect them, we
protect our future.
"The administration is very much concerned
about violence against women and children,
especially, child trafficking, child battering and
sale of babies which has become a daily
occurrence in Nigeria.
"It is receiving attention of this administration
and those connected with this ugly trend will be
brought to book in accordance with the
provisions of the relevant laws.
"To ensure child protection in Nigeria, the
Federal Government is establishing a child
helpline to protect the rights of children. The
project is to enable children in any kind of crisis
to call a toll free number to find help.
"It will also provide information for research and
analysis relating to various types and trends of
adverse incidents in different parts of the
country which could be utilized towards curbing
the incidence of violence, exploitation and abuse
of children."
In her goodwill message, representative of the
United Nations Children, Education Funds,
UNICEF, Ms. Jean Gough, said children were the
future of any society, and so everyone must do
their best to the future.
She said: "The children are the future and we as
adults must do everything possible to secure
their future.
"Collective responsibility means all the
community pulling together in support of the
child. This recognition of the importance of the
community in the protection of our children's
future is the way forward," Gough said.