The increasing incidents of bullying in schools across Cross River State have become a significant concern for stakeholders. Barrister Briana Akpagu, wife of former University of Calabar Vice-Chancellor Prof. Zana Akpagu, expressed her distress over the situation. She highlighted that children are not only being bullied by teachers and senior schoolmates but also having their rights violated.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to several schools in the state, Akpagu emphasized the urgent need to address these issues. Her visits aimed to caution against the denial of rights and the abuses faced by children in educational institutions.
The interactions included discussions and teachings on child rights, emphasizing how to enforce these rights and demand social justice. Akpagu stressed the necessity for authorities to intervene to protect Nigerian children from the growing menace of bullying and rights abuses.
Additionally, she called for greater commitment to supporting street children and raising robust awareness of child rights and social justice. She stated, “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 sensitization exercise, titled “Know Your Rights,” was organized by Lourdes Academy and Holy Child College in Calabar. It received support from the offices of the Deputy Governor of Cross River State and the Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, along with the non-governmental organization Feed a Hungry Child With Brianna Foundation.
