FG bans lodging of minors in hotels

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has announced federal government’s directive prohibiting hotels from accommodating minors, aiming to safeguard children from exploitation, abuse, and human trafficking.

In Abuja, on Saturday, Minister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye delivered remarks at the graduation and grant ceremony for participants of the “Unlock training programme”, an initiative spearheaded by Madam Abiola Arogundade, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education.

The minister stated the ban would take effect on June 20, 2024.

Uju also warned hospitals against rejecting emergency cases they can handle, stressing that government was determined to address the issues.

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, all hotels, no 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 up 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.”

One hundred and twenty entrepreneurs, who emerged as winners of the best business plan competition, were honored with certificates and a grant of N500,000 each, recognizing their innovative ideas and potential for growth.

According to Daily Trust on Sunday, a high-profile event was held to honor outstanding entrepreneurs, with dignitaries in attendance including ministers, members of the House of Representatives, and special advisers to the president.

Madam Abiola Arogundade, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, emphasized that the objective was to enhance the economic potential of the winners.