The Lagos State Government has called on children to boldly raise their voices against any form of violence or abuse, stressing the importance of early awareness in safeguarding their future.
The charge was delivered by the Executive Secretary of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, during the agency’s “Safeguarding and Child Protection Day” held in Ikeja as part of activities marking Child Protection Week.
Vivour-Adeniyi explained that young children, particularly between the ages of two and eight, are most vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence. She emphasized that the week-long programme was designed to engage pupils directly, teaching them about their rights, their responsibilities, and the courage to speak up when something feels wrong.
“We are letting them know that it is okay to tell, that speaking up will not harm them. They need to know who to talk to and how to get help. That’s why we developed booklets like My Passport of Rights and Safeguarding the Rights of a Child. Each child is taking these home to study and share with their friends,” she said.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu, reinforced the message, urging children never to stay silent in the face of abuse. “If you see something, say something. Speak to a trusted adult. Abuse is wrong in every space — at home, in schools, or within the community,” she stated.
To simplify the message, DSVA officials introduced children to the “PANTS Rule,” which teaches boundaries in simple terms: Private parts are private; Always remember your body belongs to you; No means no; Talk about things that upset you; and Speak up, someone can help you.
The event also featured lively drama, music, and dance presentations by pupils from schools such as Bishop Oluwole Primary, Holy Trinity Primary, Ebenezer Nursery and Primary, and Layi Oyekanmi Primary, all centred on raising awareness about the dangers of abuse and the importance of speaking out.
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