In a bid to build a better society through better families, with special attention on the plight of the girl-child, the Lagos State government has expressed support for initiatives that seek to addressing the moral and socio-economic challenges of endemic poverty threatening the stability of families.

Former Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Poverty Alleviation and Job Creation, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mojisolaoluwa Alli-Macaulay, stated this in keynote address during the launch of International Family Foundation (IFF) in Lagos recently.

At the event with the theme, "IMPACT OF ABUSES AND POVERTY IN THE FAMILY: The girl child as a victim", Hon. Alli-Macaulay, who represented Amuwo Odofin in the Lagos State House of Assembly said, "The Lagos State House of Assembly has passed a bill, which is waiting for the Governor’s accent, for the establishment of Lagos State sex offenders register where whoever molested a girl-child or any child, for that matter, would have his/her name listed on the register.” She charged IFF to direct their programmes toward public enlightenment, vocational training and other impactful programmes that seek the protection of the girl-child.

Speaking at the occasion, the President of IFF, Prof. Emeka Oguzie, noted that there was hope for Nigeria, stating that Nigerians have the capacity to make a difference.

Prof. Oguzie, who doubles as the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research Development and Innovation, Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri, said, "IFF was created for the protection of core family values as frontline advocates and change agents committed to promoting family cohesion and harmony. We have shown that we as individuals, as a people, have the capacity to reverse the downward slide of family values in this country for the better.” He further stated that Nigerians should believe in their abilities to act and touch Nigeria in ways that will engender change. “We have the people, we have the intellectual capacity and we have the confidence. We will do it."

Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Coordinator of the IFF, Mr. Kerian Igboekweze said the Lagos State Chapter, has a clear understanding of the problems and challenges facing families and the society at large. He stated that IFF is poised to “confronting these numerous problems of our families and society through our planned development of strategy solutions for the girl-child. In our attempt to define the problem of the girl-child through the simulation of suitable and sustainable solutions, there is an urgent need to engage the stakeholders."

The event was attended by dignitaries including representatives from Lagos State Ministry of Justice, NAPTIP, Trustees of the IFF and other stakeholders in the vanguard of curbing anti-societal ills plaguing disadvantaged families and communities.