A Federal Commissioner with the National Assembly, Mrs Taiwo Oluga, has expressed concern over the rising number of children born into poverty and hardship in the country.
Oluga, in a statement to commemorate Children’s Day on Tuesday in Osogbo, said that many children today were victims of systemic neglect.
According to her, many of the children are often born into families lacking the capacity to provide basic needs such as education, healthcare, proper upbringing, among others.
She called for decisive measures to address the issue of unchecked family size, warning that overpopulation posed grave consequences to the welfare of children and the development of the society.
Oluga, a former member of the National Assembly, also emphasised the need for a national conversation around responsible parenting and population control.
“The rising number of children born into poverty and hardship should concern every policy maker.
“Without sustainable population planning, we are risking the future of our children and the stability of our society,” she said.
Oluga, also a child rights advocate, commended the Federal Government on its ongoing efforts to lift families out of poverty and improve access to quality education across the country.
She, specifically, applauded initiatives targeting the most vulnerable, including school feeding programmes, cash transfer schemes, and educational support services.
Oluga also commended the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for her unwavering commitment to women and children through the Renewed Hope Initiative, a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
According to Oluga, Tinubu’s interventions have brought attention and resources to issues affecting women and children, creating a more inclusive platform for social support and development.
“As we celebrate our children today, we must also celebrate efforts that are already in motion to build a better future for them.
“The First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative is a beacon of hope for millions of women and children. We must support and amplify these efforts,” she said. (NAN)