In a bold step towards ending child abuse in all its forms, the Lagos State Child Protection Network (CPN), with support from SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, has inaugurated selected stakeholders in Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to serve as Child Rights Defenders.
The initiative is part of CPN’s ongoing expansion across Lagos State, spreading its advocacy and grassroots interventions from 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to 57 LCDAs.
The newly inaugurated Community Child Protection Committee (CCPC) in Ikosi-Isheri joins four other active committees in Ejigbo, Mushin, Orimedu (Ibeju-Lekki), and Agboyi-Ketu.
Speaking during the inauguration, Dr. Oluwaseyi Adebayo, Coordinator of CPN for Ikosi-Isheri, charged the stakeholders to be frontline defenders of children’s rights:
“This sensitization prepares you to respond effectively whenever child abuse issues arise. Very soon, you will be visiting schools to sensitize teachers and heads on the importance of having a child protection policy.
This is not just one person’s job—it is a voluntary collective responsibility. When we see something, we must say something, and above all, do something.”
She added that CCPC members will also engage parents through PTA meetings to ensure that advocacy reaches families at the grassroots.
Also speaking, Mr. Ogundele Tunde Joshua, CDC Chairman of Mile 12 Central, highlighted how the initiative strengthens existing community security structures:
“Before now, we had street captains in our CDA who reported cases to the EXCO, then to the DPO, and ultimately the Area Commander. Now, with this network, we are better positioned to act immediately.
“We have learnt a lot from this programme, and we will keep spreading the message that Lagos State Government frowns at any form of abuse.”
Engr. Gbolahan Akinsanya, LASCOTA Chairman, Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, emphasized the universal duty of child protection:
“Every parent must protect their children regardless of social status. Money should never be an excuse for failing to act right. Going forward, we will intensify this advocacy to ensure no child is left vulnerable.”
Expressing gratitude to SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, Mrs. Aderonke Oyelakin, State Coordinator of CPN, noted the importance of localized action:
“By forming and training community-led protection committees, we are putting child safety directly into the hands of the people.
“These committees are the first line of defense for vulnerable children, especially in areas where formal protection services are limited.”
The newly inaugurated stakeholders—drawn from community development councils (CDCs), political leaders, technocrats, and parent forums—received certificates of membership, customized jackets, child protection badges, and information materials to support their work.
In total, 135 committee members across the five LGAs and LCDAs have been trained to collaborate with state and local government structures to ensure that every child is protected from violence, exploitation, neglect, and abuse.
