Over four hundred students recently took part in the annual Safeguarding and Child Protection Day organized by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA). The event, supported by the Joint EU, UN-funded Spotlight Initiative and with technical assistance from UNFPA, centered around the theme “My Body Belongs To Me.”
During the event, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Secretary to the State Government, highlighted the government’s commitment to creating safe environments for children. She emphasized the importance of respecting, protecting, empowering, and involving children in their own protection. Mrs. Salu-Hundeyin also stressed the need for skilled and supported staff to fulfill the responsibilities of child protection, as outlined in the THEMES Plus agenda.
“The children and youths are not just the future of Lagos State and Nigeria; they are major stakeholders and valuable resources in nation-building,” Mrs. Salu-Hundeyin said. “They must be fully protected by their parents, guardians, and the government for them to fulfill that goal.”
She further noted that growing concerns about child abuse, which often result in mental health issues and suicidal thoughts, require heightened vigilance from parents. State statistics indicate that 1 out of every 6 children experiences abuse at a young age. Programs like the Safeguarding and Child Protection Day play a crucial role in combating the growing trend of rape culture in primary and secondary schools across Lagos State.
Mrs. Salu-Hundeyin urged parents, guardians, and teachers to foster closer relationships with children, encouraging them to speak up about abuse.
The Importance of Collective Efforts
Taking a collective approach to combat sexual violence and abuse, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, emphasized the agency’s collaboration with all branches of government and sectors. The aim is to eradicate all forms of sexual violence within the state. Vivour-Adeniyi stressed the critical need for a joint effort to end gender-based violence.
She also highlighted the agency’s commitment to engaging, informing, and encouraging young people about their rights and the importance of safeguarding those rights. Under the Child’s Rights Law of Lagos State, children have the right to life, survival, balanced development, a name and birth registration, dignity and respect, privacy, family life, parental care, and protection.
“According to the Nation’s Child Rights Laws, every child is entitled to the best achievable state of physical, mental, and spiritual health, including freedom from discrimination and abuse,” said Vivour-Adeniyi.
She encouraged students not to remain silent or be ashamed if they experience any form of sexual abuse. Vivour-Adeniyi urged them to speak up and reach out for help by calling the toll-free hotline at 08000-333-333.
Conclusion
The annual Safeguarding and Child Protection Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about child protection and combat the alarming rate of sexual violence in Lagos State. Through collective efforts, education, and support, the government, agencies, parents, and communities aim to create a safer environment for children where their rights are respected and protected.
