By Blessing Obi
In a decisive move to uphold public morals and protect children’s rights, the Enugu State Government has ordered the immediate removal of all indecent and obscene artworks and pictures displayed on major roads across the state.
The directive, issued on Friday in Enugu by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, mandates the prompt takedown of such materials, citing their adverse impact on societal values and their violation of the Child’s Rights Law of Enugu State.
“You are by this statement, ordered to take down without delay, all indecent and obscene artworks and pictures displayed on Enugu roads,” Enih stated. “You are also warned to henceforth cease the exhibition of indecent and obscene artworks and pictures on Enugu roads.”
According to the commissioner, these artworks not only erode public decency but also pose a direct contravention of the Child’s Rights Law, enacted in 2016 to safeguard children’s moral and psychological well-being. She emphasized that any failure to comply with the directive would lead to strict legal repercussions.
“Any of such pictures or artworks displayed at your stand will warrant your immediate arrest, prosecution, and possible forfeiture of such works of art,” she warned. “Consider this letter as the first and final warning on this issue.”
The government’s stance aligns with its broader efforts to maintain ethical standards in public spaces and ensure that children and the general populace are not exposed to explicit or inappropriate content. The crackdown comes amid growing concerns from parents, religious groups, and civil society organizations about the proliferation of suggestive imagery in public areas.
While the directive has been welcomed by advocates of morality and child protection, it has also sparked debates among artists and cultural enthusiasts, some of whom fear it could stifle artistic expression. They argue that a clear distinction must be made between genuine art and explicitly obscene content, urging the government to define parameters that balance artistic freedom with moral considerations.
As the enforcement of the order begins, residents and business owners in Enugu have been put on notice, with authorities vowing to ensure strict compliance. The coming days will reveal the extent of adherence to this directive and its impact on the artistic landscape of Enugu State.
