Educationist appeals for stricter punishment for child molesters

Macdona Primary School with their trophy as they came first in the game

LAGOS (SUNDIATA POST)- An educationist, Mrs Victoria Duru, has appealed to the Federal Government to enforce stricter punishments for child molesters in the country.
Duru, the Principal of Ronik Comprehensive School, Ejigbo, made the appeal at a Catch The Stars Young Alabi-Oyo Football Tournament, held at the school premises on Friday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the under 10 Alabi-Oyo Football Tournament is the maiden edition of grassroots football competition hosted by Ronik Comprehensive College.
The tournament is specially designed to promote healthy competition, unity, and sportsmanship among primary schools across Lagos State.
She expressed disappointment that those who were supposed to protect the children were the ones abusing them.
“It is a great disservice for people who are supposed to protect children, to be the ones to abuse them because we know the psychological effect it will have on the children, their self-esteem and moral issues.
“In fact, there should be stricter, greater sanctions against this kind of abuse coming from these kinds of adults.
“We have seen over time, cases where even those handling the athletes themselves, footballers, gymnasts, abusing them. It is a crime.
“In fact, stiff penalties should be given to any offender; if they are put behind bars, they should not be allowed to ever come out,” she said.
On the tournament, the principal said the aim was to catch the children young.
“What we have witnessed today is display of skills, talents, and no doubt, champions. We have seen future champions from this particular tournament.
“They are still very young now, but looking into the future, no doubt, you are going to see some of these students as future footballers that have made remarkable performance at the tournament today,” she said.
Duru said in spite of Ronik schools winning in the second position, she was still proud of the pupils.
“Regardless of the fact that Ronik came second, we’re still very proud of our athletes.
“We know that they gave their all; they put in their best, but at the end of the day, there has to be a winner, and that is what has happened in today’s games.
“So, yes, I still feel very proud in spite of the outcome of the match. I am very proud of the young men, their coaches, the technical crew for all that they have done to ensure that the games was a success.
“Though the outcome is not what we are expecting, yet they put in their best,” she said.
The principal enjoined other schools to emulate Ronik, adding that, for a school to produce well rounded students, sports needed to be incorporated in the lives of the children.
She said the vibrant gathering of young talents, enthusiastic supporters, dedicated coaches and technical crew were a true celebration of youthful energy.
“Beyond academics, we are deeply committed to developing well rounded individuals, young people, who can thrive in the classroom, on the field and in life.
“Our school offers a strong academic foundation built on excellence and innovation, a rich array of co-curricular activities including professional sports training programmes.
“A safe nurturing environment that encourages every child to discover and develop their unique potential and many others,” she said.

NAN reports that the participatory schools include Ronik International School, Macdona Primary School, Effortwill Schools, Apata Memorial School, and Smart Start Schools.
Macdona Primary School in Ejigbo won the first position by beating Ronik Comprehensive school 3-1.(NAN)