Founder of EDGE Foundation, Casmir Ozuruigbo, has urged children to speak up against sexual abuse, bullying and molestation, warning that silence often leaves victims trapped in pain and fear.

Ozuruigbo gave the advice yesterday during a Children’s Day sensitisation programme organised by EDGE Foundation in collaboration with St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Oshodi, Lagos.

Speaking on the theme, “Speak Up: Learning to Say No, Confident and Proud of Who You Are,” Ozuruigbo told the children that abuse could happen anywhere and to anyone, stressing that they must never remain silent when violated.

“There is no better time or more important time to celebrate children than today. What we are doing here is not just celebrating Children’s Day, it is to empower the children, educate them and guide them to understand that child abuse and bullying exist,” he said.

He said children should not be exposed to sexual abuse, child labour, molestation or early marriage, adding that the programme was organised to help them understand why such acts are harmful and why they must speak out.

Ozuruigbo told the children that their voices, bodies and feelings mattered, urging them to develop confidence and learn to defend themselves against abuse and intimidation.

“We are here to tell you that you should speak up. Do not be quiet. They will tell you that if you speak up they will kill you, but it is not true. They only want to put fear in you so you will not talk,” he said.

 He urged children to report abusive relatives, neighbours, teachers or guardians to trusted adults, insisting that offenders must be exposed and prosecuted to protect other children.

He appealed to parents not to allow shame or fear stop them from reporting abuse cases.

“Please pay attention to your children and believe them when they speak. Whether the abuser is your husband, brother, friend or sister, report them,” he said.

Also speaking, Reverend Father Vincent Ezekwike said children must be encouraged to pursue their dreams without unnecessary pressure or unhealthy comparisons.

He said, “They should continue to live up to their dreams, while parents should encourage them and not push them beyond their limits or compare them with others.”

The cleric described education as vital to the future of every child, adding that it provides knowledge, exposure and guidance in choosing a career path.

“Education plays a very vital role in the life of every child. A child without education will be different from one who has undergone proper education,” he said.

President of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), St John the Evangelist Parish, Rebecca Ipuga, said the programme was organised by the church to celebrate children and remind parents and society of their responsibility towards them.

 She said the church had introduced safeguarding structures and counselling sessions to help protect children from abuse and support victims.

“We observed that children between ages 11 and 18 are often victims of abuse, so this is a wake-up call for everybody, including parents, the church and government,” she said.

Ipuga urged parents to maintain close relationships with their children, listen to them and pay attention to sudden changes in behaviour.

“When our children talk to us, we should not bully them or force them into silence. We should bring them closer and ask questions,” she said.

She stressed that abuse affects both boys and girls and should not be seen as a problem limited to the female child.

According to her, tackling child abuse requires collective efforts from families, schools, religious institutions and government agencies.

“The church can only do so much within the few hours we spend with the children. Parents, guardians, aunties, uncles and the government must all work together,” she added.