Stakeholders in collaboration with the Lagos State government have reviewed existing policies on child protection.
The State through the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) and the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, (MYSD) joined other participants in a 2-Day Stakeholders’ Meeting for the 2022 Intervention Report on these policies.
The stakeholders proffered new strategies and conducted a post-mortem assessment of reported incidences of child abuse in Public and Private Schools in the State.
The Executive Secretary of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi reiterated the need for schools to adhere to best practices in ensuring that every child is kept safe within the walls of learning.
She said that it has become imperative for critical stakeholders to continue their review of the development in order to be able to periscope ahead for the future of the children.
According to her “The Joint Task force comprising top level representatives from different MDAs have converged to review its activities in the past year, understand the trend, review the lessons learnt from previous incidences and forge a way forward from a more preventive lens.”
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu emphasised the need to forge a common front to address the issues relating to child protection.
Oke-Osanyintolu who was represented by the Director, Social welfare of the Ministry, Mrs. Toyin Jaiyeola reiterated the need for continuous collaborations in raising awareness against all forms of abuse and promoting wellness for peace, justice and safety of children.
In their Goodwill messages, Permanent Secretary Education District 5, Mr Mustapha Amuni and the Chairman Lagos State Universal Basic Education, Alawiye King, who was represented at the event, lauded the efforts of the Joint Task Force and called for more continuous collaborative efforts whilst imploring that derived policies are adopted and implemented across the state.
They commended the representatives of the various MDAs, designated Child protection Officers and major actors that converged to deliberate on issues arising from activities of the previous year and implored that policies and recommendations from the meeting should be adopted and implemented.
According to the Director General, Office of Education Quality Assurance Lagos State, Mrs Abiola Seriki Ayeni, the mandate of quality education also hinges on ensuring child protection in all schools in the State.
She said the State has a mandate which is collaborative when it comes to safeguarding and Child Protection.
“The review of past year’s activities of the Joint Task Force reveals a high correlation between School Compliance and safety of Children. She said the OEQA ensures reporting procedures are easier than it was previously and complaints can be lodged about a school, child, or issues on the OEQA website through a transparent process. She gave the assurance of an immediate and joint proactive response to these reports.”
Also in attendance was a representative of UNICEF, Mr Dennis Onoise who appealed for an in depth analysis and activation of the Child Policy Documents.
The Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Prof. Funmi Bammeke moderated the sharing of experiences by Parents and the program was rounded up with the unveiling of newly proposed policies
PIAK
