A non-governmental organisation THE Adekunle Child Foundation (TACF) has decried the reluctance by many states of federation to domesticate the Child Rights Act, after nearly 18 years since Nigeria passed it into law in 2003.

The President/Founder of TACF Mr. Femi Adekunle, expressed the worry during a ceremony organized in the premises of Government Secondary School, Festival Road, Garki, Abuja to commemorated the International Day of the Girl Child 2023.

The event was held in the premises of Government Secondary School, Festival Road, Garki in collaboration with African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) and another NGO, Sisters, Wives and Mothers (SWiM).

The President/Founder of TACF Mr. Femi Adekunle, stated in an interview with pressmen that the girl-child is especially vulnerable, and no efforts should be spared in bringing support to her doorstep.

One of the causes, according to him, is harmful cultural practices that subject the girl-child to inhuman treatment, e.g. female genital mutilation.

He lamented that the law which is expected to fill the gap is helpless in that the Child Rights Act which was passed to protect the child is yet to be domesticated in many States in Nigeria especially in the northern states.

One of the guest speakers Mr. Chiedu Aliogo, a lawyer, spoke to the girls about the human rights of the teenage girl. AWLA’S Vice Coordinator, Abuja Branch also spoke to the girls motivating them to emulate notable Nigerian women who have made their marks in various disciplines across the globe.

In attendance were over 100 girls drawn from the Junior Secondary School and Government Secondary School, Garki Abuja respectively. The girls were treated to refreshments.