- Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye reaffirmed the government’s ban on hotels lodging underage girls to combat child abuse effectively
- She introduced a whistleblower policy and mandatory signage to deter hotels from accommodating underage girls, ensuring legal compliance and accountability
The Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has reiterated the government’s ban on hotels lodging underage girls as a crucial step in combating the increasing cases of child abuse and molestation.
During an interactive session with hoteliers and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Abuja, the minister emphasized that hotels found accommodating underage girls would face legal prosecution. She urged hotel operators to report such incidents promptly and introduced a whistleblower policy to encourage hotel staff to report establishments condoning such practices.
Kennedy-Ohanenye stated, “There is a disturbing rise in indecent acts across the country that must be halted. Henceforth, hotels must display signage stating, ‘No underage girls or children allowed for lodging’. Failure to comply will result in charges and court proceedings against offending hotels.”
Addressing concerns about bullying in schools, the minister introduced new guidelines requiring the presence of a teacher in every primary and secondary classroom, the appointment of four teachers to supervise children during outdoor breaks, and the installation of CCTV cameras throughout school premises.
Dr. Patrick Anyanwu, President of the Nigeria Hotels Association, commended the minister’s directives, affirming that all hotels would receive strict instructions to adhere to the new guidelines or face legal repercussions from the ministry.
Discussion about this post