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Two outstanding Cardinals from the RECOWA-CERAO extraction have embarked on establishing foundations after their retirements aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the poor masses and the marginalized. One of those cardinals is Philip Cardinal Ouédraogo who until his retirement was the Archbishop of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. His foundation named DUC IN ALTUM though recently created has gone a long way in cushioning the effects of hunger and starvation in the poor regions of Burkina Faso. In an exclusive interview with the Executive Director of RECOWACERAO NEWS AGENCY, RECONA in her head office in Abidjan, the secretary of this establishment Mr. Urbain Ouédraogo narrated their goal for establishing this organization and called on men and women of goodwill to come to their financial assistance. He noted that this foundation has gradually constituted leverage for the educational activities of the underprivileged in their regions.

Another well-developed foundation was established by John Cardinal Onaiyekan. This establishment seems to be all-encompassing. The founder being a large visionary has developed this foundation and tuned it to the loudest pitch.  He baptized it with the abbreviation COFP. This larger-than-life organization in its all-encompassing nature has recently Urged Parents and Caregivers to Protect Children’s Rights and eliminate mistreatment.

The Deputy Director of the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) has urged parents and caregivers to prioritize the protection of children’s rights, eliminating all forms of mistreatment.

In an interview with our Correspondent on the sidelines of a one-day workshop realized under the theme, “Ending Violence and Abuse Against Children (EVAC)”, Fr. Boniface Neibo noted that many parents are overly focused on work and have neglected their vital responsibility of bringing up children, who are balanced as they mature.

“The rights of children must be protected against every form of violence and abuse, whether sexual, psychological, emotional, or physical,” Fr. Neibo told the media on Tuesday, October 29.

He added, “Ending violence against children is one of our major programs. Our advocacy calls on people of all faiths to learn to value and respect children and to eliminate mistreatment, which occurs daily across communities and homes.”

Fr. Neibo underscored the need to correct children with love rather than punishment, which he said causes harm.

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 replicate the same ills 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 education’s importance in combating abuse.

“We need to teach our children that respect and dignity for human life begin with each of them. If 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 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.”

Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu
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