The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has called out the Commissioner for Women Affairs, urging her to “wake up from slumber and get to work” over the disturbing rise of abandoned and vulnerable children roaming the streets during school hours and at night.
The union made this call during its monthly congress after members raised serious concerns about the growing number of children seen loitering along Atiku Abubakar Way, Ewet Housing Estate, Itam under Bridge and other locations and also particularly around the main gate of the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
According to the journalists, the sight of underage children wandering the area during official school hours and at night is not only shameful but a clear sign of neglect. They questioned the role and visibility of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in addressing child protection and welfare issues in the state.
Congress members described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that vulnerable children should not be left to roam the streets while a government ministry specifically mandated to protect them and act in that regards remains silent and seemingly inactive.
The Union maintained that child welfare is not a ceremonial responsibility but a core duty of the ministry. It warned that continued inaction would only embolden social decay and expose minors to exploitation, abuse, and criminal influence.
As part of its resolutions, the NUJ formally called on the Commissioner to immediately step up, confront the situation head-on, and demonstrate leadership by clearing the streets of abandoned children and ensuring they are returned to school or placed under proper care.
