The growing cases of bullying of children in many schools in Cross River State has become a worrisome concern to stakeholders.
One of the stakeholders, Barrister Briana Akpagu, wife of former Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar, Prof Zana Akpagu has lamented that not only were they being bullied by teachers and senior school mates, but their rights as children in schools were continually violated.
She spoke to journalists when she led a team to visit some schools in the state to caution against denial of rights and abuses meted out to the children.
During the visits, there were interactions and teachings on child rights, how to enforce the rights and demand social justice.
Akpagu said that with the growing cases of bullying and right abuses in schools, it was necessary for authorities to wade in to save Nigerian children.
She also called for commitment towards providing for street children and creating robust awareness on child rights and social justice.
She said, “If Nigeria must improve on the social justice index, then it’s important to begin to teach the young ones their rights and how to respect other people’s rights.”
The child rights sensitisation exercise tagged, “Know Your Rights” was organized by two schools, Lourdes Academy and Holy Child College, Calabar, with supports from offices of the Deputy Governor of Cross River State and the Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial district, as well as a non-governmental organization, Feed a Hungry Child With Brianna Foundation.
