In a bid to stop the rising cases of child abuse in the country, parents have been urged to educate their children on the need to promptly report suspicious activities, monitor their online presence, and also foster open communication with them.

A renowned advocate for girl-child rights and founder of Deborah International Outreach, Bunmi Onilude, gave the advice during the sixth yearly Badagry women’s symposium, themed: “Women Beyond Borders.”

In her keynote paper titled: “Undertaking and Preventing Sexual Abuse Among Teenage Girls,” Onilude stressed the need for collective efforts to safeguard the future of young ones.

Also speaking, a former National President of the National Association of Women Journalists, Dr Adedayo Fadugba, said that guaranteed success requires nurturing successors and mentoring like-minded individuals.

On his part, the Chairman of Badagry Local Council, Segun Onilude, who doubles as the event organiser, praised the symposium’s impact, stating: “Women are an integral part of national development and their empowerment will guarantee Badagry’s future.”

Meanwhile, the event featured empowerment packages for hundreds of women and youths.

Wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Oluremi Hamzat, commended the initiative through her representative, Funsho Ayanronbi. The symposium’s highlight was the presentation of the N1 million star prize to Falola Azeezat Abimbola, with other participants receiving prizes, including deep freezers, flat-screen televisions, and gas cookers.