The Child Protection Network, CPN Oyo state in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages has established Child Protection Clubs in public secondary schools in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.
At the ceremony held at Queens School Apata Ibadan, CPN also set up Students and Stakeholders” Assembly which will serve as a platform to strengthen collaboration, discuss innovative strategies, and create actionable frameworks that ensure no child is left vulnerable.
Speaking in a welcome address, Oyo state coordinator, Child Protection Network, Mrs Rosemary Odigbo said the club has been established in 14 schools in the first phase of the initiative aimed at Empowering Students, Engaging Stakeholders, Promoting Holistic Education Beyond academics.
Mrs. Odigbo who said other schools in Oyo state would soon benefit from the initiative noted that the business of protecting the rights of children is everbody”s business
“I would endeavour to shed light on the basic fundamental importance of this programme. This includes: Empowering Students: The establishment of Child Protection Clubs is an innovative approach to empowering students with knowledge and tools to understand their rights, recognize threats, and seek help when needed. These clubs will foster a culture of openness, safety, and accountability, ensuring that every child has a voice and every concern is heard.
“Engaging Stakeholders: Our schools, parents, government agencies, and civil society organizations must unite in a shared commitment to child protection. This assembly serves as a platform to strengthen collaboration, discuss innovative strategies, and create actionable frameworks that ensure no child is left vulnerable.
“Promoting Holistic Education: Beyond academics, schools play a critical role in shaping the character and resilience of children. By integrating child protection into the school environment, we create a space where children not only excel in learning but also thrive emotionally and socially.
“To achieve the vision of this programme, everyone has a role to play which ranges from Parents to Teachers, Government agencies, Religious Leaders, Community leaders and civil society organizations
Meanwhile, other Stakeholders at the event, including the Police, NSCDC, Ministries of education and women affairs called for a concerted effort towards building a safer, stronger and inclusive environment for children
In paper presentation on child safety, protection, awareness, policies and prodcedures: Creating a safe and secured school enviroment , a counsellor and execuive director, Treasure Builder Foundation, Mrs Toyin Daniel said child’s protection is a collective responsibilities of everyone, espeially parents, teachers, religious and community leaders.
While charging government to redouble its efforts at creating basic amenities for children to strive, Mrs Daniel frowned against any form of abuse against children, noting that government’s actions or inactions on policies and programmes will either make or mar the success of any child.
In another paper presentation, Executive Director, One Life Initiative, Mr Sola Fagorusi counselled the children to always speak out and seek help when faced with any form of abuse, irresective of intimidation, advising them to know and exercise their riights.
Some of the students who were drawn from public secondary schools within ibadan metropolis commended the initiative, expressing believe that it will foster continued engagements on child protection and care in the society
