The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has said the federal government has banned lodging of underage girls in hotels in the country.
She spoke in Abuja on Saturday, during the graduation and grant ceremony of participants of the ‘Unlock training programme’ organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, Madam Abiola Arogundade.
The minister said 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.”
There was presentation of certificates and N500,000 grant to each of the 120 participants who won the best business plan.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, Madam Abiola Arogundade, said the purpose was to boost their potential for economic development.
It was gathered that some ministers, members of the House of Representatives, special advisers to the president among others attended the event.
