Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation Official Urges Parents, Caregivers to Protect Children’s Rights, “eliminate mistreatment”

He further said, “When we talk about abuse, we refer to any action or inaction that causes psychological, emotional, or physical pain.”

“There are loving ways to correct children without inflicting suffering or burdening them psychologically. Psychological and emotional abuse is often the first form of abuse that goes unnoticed, yet it has profound effects on children,” the Nigerian Catholic Priest said.

He went on to warn that unchecked child abuse perpetuates a cycle of trauma, which can damage society.

“If nothing is done, these children will grow up and might replicate the same ills that are damaging our society. Child abuse and violence against children are inherently wrong, and we cannot allow a cycle of evil to continue. We must do everything possible to discourage it,” the Deputy Director of COFP said. 

Fr. Neibo, who also serves as the Parish Priest of St. Monica Nyanya Parish of Abuja Archdiocese underscored the importance of education in combating abuse.

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“We need to teach our children that respect and dignity for human life begin with each of them. If anyone be it a teacher, instructor, Priest, or Bishop violates their boundaries, they should feel empowered to speak up, clearly and without fear,” he said.

He called upon parents and caregivers to create open environments where children feel comfortable discussing their experiences. “Only by doing so can we protect them from further abuse and help them develop into resilient adults,” Fr. Neibo said.

He advised parents to be vigilant for warning signs of abuse, such as a child becoming withdrawn, which may indicate underlying issues. 

“The devil is relentless, and we must be equally vigilant,” he further said, and stressed the need for open communication and active monitoring of children’s social circles.

The COFP official also condemned harmful practices like bullying and severe punishments, noting that the highlighted actions negatively impact on children’s well-being. 

“No one should keep quiet if they suspect abuse. Report it to the relevant authorities immediately,” Fr. Neibo emphasized. 

He faulted cultural norms that grant unchecked authority to elders, as this can foster environments where child abuse goes unchallenged. 

“In many African cultures, we tend to believe that elders are always right. However, this mentality can lead to unchecked authority, which some use to perpetrate evil. It's time to rethink such philosophies,” he said.

Thinking elders cannot be faulted “can lead to unchecked authority, which some use to perpetrate evil,” Fr. Neibo said, adding, “It's time to rethink such philosophies. Elders should indeed guide younger generations, but we must also hold them accountable when they overstep or harm others.”

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.