THE Federal Government of Nigeria has banned the lodging of underage girls in hotels across the country with effect from June 20, 2024.
According to media reports, this development was disclosed by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, on Saturday in Abuja, while speaking at the graduation and grant ceremony of participants of the ‘Unlock Training Programme.’
The event was organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Education, Madam Abiola Arogundade.
Mrs Kennedy-Ohanenye warned of severe measures against any hotel found to be lodging under-aged girls. Kennedy-Ohanenye also warned hospitals to stop rejecting emergency cases they can handle because there are many complaints about such practice.
She said, “I just want to say something to the beneficiaries today. I hope you saw the video circulating about our girls taken to Ghana. You are going to hear our action on Monday.
“From the 20th, in all hotels, there will not be lodging of underage girls. I mean it. No more lodging of underage girls; no more bullying. And in the hospitals, no more rejection of emergency cases.
“These are some of the major issues we are addressing. Any hospital that does that, I will call on all Nigerians, I am proud of Nigerians, the way you are using social media to attack issues.
“This is the time for action; let all of us buckle down because if any emergency case is rejected, I am calling on all Nigerians. This fight is not only for one person; it is for all of us.”
Kennedy-Ohaneye affirmed that her Ministry was determined to stop the premature deaths of Nigerians.
