Institute child safeguarding policy, UNICEF tells state govts, schools

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on all states with Child Protection Laws to establish a Child Safeguarding Policy to adequately protect children and their rights.

The UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Lagos, Denis Onoise, made the call during the Oyo State Child Safeguarding Summit 2024, organised by Haven Initiative for Women and Children Development and Safety, held at the Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, Ibadan.

The summit, themed “Safe Childhoods, Brighter Future: Breaking the Cycle of Violence against Children,” attracted numerous stakeholders, including the representative of the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun; the Executive Chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Mrs. Dotun Olaitan; the immediate past Chairperson of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Oyo State, Jadesola Ajibola; security officers, law enforcement agents, government officials, and others.

The programme reflected a commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and creating a safer, more supportive environment for them.

The UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Denis Onoise, emphasised the need to protect children and their rights.

The UNICEF specialist stated: “All states that have Child Protection Laws need to have a Child Safeguarding Policy. Even schools are supposed to have the policy, and there must be a Child Protection Focal Person.”

On her part, the Executive Director of Haven Initiative for Women and Children Development and Safety, Adebayo, said the rights of children must be protected at all times.

The Executive Director said: “We acknowledge the gravity of child exploitation, abuse, and neglect. We recognise the devastating impact on young lives and the imperative to act. This summit represents our commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and creating a safer, more supportive environment.

“We must strengthen child protection policies and laws, enhance community-led initiatives, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and empower children and youth. Together, we can create a brighter future for our children. Let us harness our collective energy, expertise, and passion to safeguard their well-being.”

The Agodi Area Commander, Folashade Daniel, who represented the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Sonubi, said the police would not relent in protecting children and their rights. The police chief, therefore, called on parents to take proper care of their children.

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“Parents should have time for their children and not leave them in the hands of neighbours or house help. They are free to walk to any police station and report any case of child maltreatment. We are here to safeguard every child and prosecute all offenders,” the police boss said.

Also speaking, the Oyo State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network (CPN), Dr. Rosemary Odigbo, said child protection is everyone’s responsibility, asserting: “We must come together to form a formidable team to ensure that our children are protected.”

Part of the summit was a panel of discussants. Members of the panel included the Attorney-General, Aikomo; Oluwatoyin Ogedengbe; and others.

Aikomo, represented by Barrister Modupe Awosenusi, called for the collaboration of all stakeholders—medical experts, government, traditional leaders, society, and others—to properly safeguard children.

“We have laws in Oyo State that can ensure the protection of child rights. Let us join hands to enforce the laws. The law is there. Your right is your life,” the Oyo chief law officer said.

Additionally, the programme saw the revival of the children’s parliament.

Speaking at the parliament, the children called on the government, parents, and society to listen to them.

They urged the government to end discrimination between children from rich and poor communities and ensure a reduction in crime rates in public schools.

They also charged teachers to avoid nonchalant and lackadaisical attitudes towards their students.

The students said the government should advocate policies that protect children, support foundations that assist children, and invest in initiatives to make communities better places to live.

Emmanuel Olatúnjí said: “Children that are not good academically should not be looked down upon because it reduces their self-esteem.”

Bernice Adebayo said: “Children should be given listening ears by members of the community. The government should create a safe space for children.”

Fathia said: “Parents should ensure that they spend quality time with their children to foster love and proper care.”

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