Sapele Local Government Council Moves to Protect Girl-Child, Targets Street Hawking During School Hours

The Sapele Legislative Arm has moved to strengthen the protection of the girl-child with the introduction of a proposed bye-law seeking to stop the use of girls for street hawking and other potentially dangerous commercial activities during school hours.

The proposed Girl-Child Protection Bye-Law was presented and given its first reading during a plenary session chaired by the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Rt. Hon. Samuel Azu.

The legislation followed a motion on matters arising sponsored by the councillor representing Ward 2, Hon. Osaretin Aisien.

If eventually passed into law, the proposed bye-law would prohibit the use of girl-children for street trading and similar activities while they are expected to be in school.

The lawmakers said the move is aimed at keeping children within the education system while reducing their exposure to dangers associated with trading on streets and other busy public spaces.

Beyond concerns about school attendance, the proposal seeks to tackle risks including road crashes, sexual abuse, harassment, exploitation and child trafficking to which children engaged in street trading may be vulnerable.

The proposal is expected to undergo further debate and scrutiny before the legislative arm takes subsequent steps in the lawmaking process.

Meanwhile, environmental concerns also featured during the sitting.

During the Any Other Business segment, Hon. Inikoro Benjamin, councillor representing DSIEC Ward 16, raised concerns about the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into gutters and waterways within the area.

Benjamin called on the council’s health officials to strengthen sanitation enforcement and public awareness efforts, warning that continued dumping could obstruct drainage channels and waterways and worsen environmental and flooding problems.

The sitting was later adjourned following a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Eruteyan Samson Ohiambe, councillor representing DSIEC Ward 12, and seconded by Hon. Christopher Ayomanor of Ward 5.