Protect the Child Foundation Launches Simplified Versions of Kogi State Child Rights, Disability, and VAPP Laws to Boost Public Awareness and Enforcement
A Non-Governmental Organisation, Protect the Child Foundation (PTCF), has launched simplified versions of three key laws in Kogi State the Child Rights Law of 2009, Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Law of 2019, and Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of 2022 (VAPP) aimed at promoting public understanding and effective enforcement.
Speaking at the official launch held recently in Lokoja, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Barr. Elizabeth Achimugu, said the simplified editions were developed to make the laws more accessible to children, adolescents, and the general public, while also encouraging the reporting of sexual and gender-based violence.
“Protect the Child Foundation is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization based in Abuja. We began operations in 2017 and were formally registered in 2021. Our focus is to stand up for the rights, interests, and safety of children while promoting issues affecting women and persons with disabilities,” Achimugu stated.
The simplified laws were unveiled by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Kogi State Muizudeen Yunusa Abdullahi, who was ably represented by the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General of the stateFalilat Yusuf Musa (Esq.).
Achimugu explained that the simplified versions of the laws present their provisions in plain English, complemented with illustrations, to help citizens better understand their rights and responsibilities.
“The VAPP Law protects people from violence, abuse, and harmful practices. It covers a wide range of offences, including rape, physical assault, intimidation, forced actions, destruction of property, use of dangerous weapons, female genital mutilation, and spousal violence,” she said.
She added that the Child Rights Law empowers children with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, while the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Law underscores the rights and privileges of persons living with disabilities, including a 6% employment quota in the state’s public sector.
According to her, the law also prohibits acts such as family abandonment, emotional or verbal abuse, economic abuse, stalking, harmful traditional practices, incest, political violence, and stigmatization.
“Victims of violence have the right to safety and protection. They can seek protection orders from the courts, and the police are empowered to make immediate arrests to prevent further harm. Offenders can also be compelled by the courts to stay away from victims or pay compensation,” Achimugu added.
The Programmes Coordinator of PTCF, Anna Williams, noted that the Office of the Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission is responsible for enforcing the VAPP Law in Kogi State.
“The office can apply for protection orders on behalf of victims and is mandated to conduct public awareness campaigns to promote understanding of the law,” Williams said.
She further revealed that the simplified versions were produced under Project Ebulejonu, with support from the French Embassy Fund, and were reviewed and validated by key stakeholders during a one-day meeting held on 29th October 2025.
Participants at the validation meeting included representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Ministry of Justice (Gender-Based Violence Directorate), Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Eradication, Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board, Office of the Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission, Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Union of Journalists, FIDA, African Women Lawyers Association, Persons with Disabilities Association, Child Protection Network, and several faith-based and youth organizations.
“After careful review, participants confirmed that the simplified versions accurately reflect the key provisions and intent of the original laws as passed by the Kogi State House of Assembly. They were also endorsed as suitable for public sensitization and community awareness,” Achimugu concluded.
She emphasized that the validated editions now serve as official, user-friendly guides designed to strengthen public understanding, awareness, and enforcement of the VAPP Law, Child Rights Law (2009), and Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Law (2019)across Kogi State.
