Thursday, November 6, 2025 - The Lagos State Government, through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has trained over 10,000 safeguarding officers across schools and institutions.
The Executive Secretary, DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi,
said this at the One-Day Policy Review of the Lagos State Safeguarding and
Child Protection Programme (SCPP) on Wednesday in Ikeja.
Vivour-Adeniyi said the training was part of efforts to
strengthen child protection and ensure the safety of every child in the state.
She said the initiative reflected the state government’s
resolve to create a safe, dignified, and hopeful environment for children, in
line with the vision of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
According to her, the Lagos State Safeguarding and Child
Protection Programme stands as one of the most forward-thinking child safety
frameworks in Nigeria.
“It was designed to prevent abuse before it happens, and
where harm occurs, to ensure that the system responds quickly, compassionately,
and effectively,” she said.
The executive secretary said the agency, in collaboration
with relevant ministries and agencies, had also mainstreamed safeguarding
policies in public and private schools.
She said the agency had strengthened referral pathways for
child protection and provided psychosocial and legal support to thousands of
children and families.
According to her, emerging issues such as online grooming,
technology-facilitated abuse, and the effects of economic hardship on families
make it necessary to review and strengthen existing policies.
She described the policy review as “a conversation for the
future”, urging stakeholders to share experiences and practical recommendations
that could further protect children from abuse and neglect.
Vivour-Adeniyi reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s
commitment under the THEMES+ Agenda to making the state the safest place for
children to live, learn, and thrive.
“The DSVA continues to champion this cause through advocacy,
training, rescue operations, and survivor support services.
“Our 24/7 toll-free line — 08000 333 333 — ensures
that when a child cries for help, Lagos State answers,” she said.
The executive secretary commended stakeholders from the
judiciary, education, health, law enforcement, faith-based organisations, and
civil society for their contributions to building a legacy of child safety and
accountability in the state.
She called on all participants to renew their collective
commitment to protecting children.
“When we protect a child, we preserve potential; when we
safeguard a child, we secure the destiny of a nation,” Vivour-Adeniyi said.
Also, Dr Hakeem Shittu, the Chairman, Lagos State Universal
Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), said the policy review was a vital step toward
ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for every child.
Shittu, who was represented by Odunola Oni, Guidance
Chancellor at LASUBEB, commended DSVA for its tireless efforts in promoting the
welfare and protection of children.
He urged continued collaboration among stakeholders to
create a society where children could thrive and reach their full potential.
“LASUBEB will continue to partner with DSVA to ensure that
domestic and sexual violence are completely eradicated in our society,” the
chairman said.
Also speaking, Mr Taiwo Akinlami, a Public Interest and
Social Development Legal Practitioner, called for annual vetting of adults
working with children.
Akinlami, who is also a child protection expert, called for
the redefinition of the term “trusted adult” to mean only vetted adults, adding
that no individual should be allowed to work with children without undergoing
background and health checks.
He urged government and stakeholders to strengthen Section
K, Subsection 2.3 of the policy, which dealt with safer recruitment.
According to him, most child abusers are not strangers but
familiar figures such as family members, religious leaders, teachers, and
non-governmental organisation workers.
“The concept of a trusted adult must change to mean a vetted
adult. Any adult who has not been vetted to work with children is not safe.
“No child is safe with anybody, irrespective of their title
— whether bishop or imam — unless the person has been vetted,” he said.
The expert explained that vetting should include annual
background checks and medical examinations, especially for those working in
creches, daycare centres, and schools where children were highly vulnerable.
He also raised concerns over poor implementation of existing
child protection provisions, urging that implementation committees be
reconstituted and funded to ensure the SCPP was effectively enforced across all
ministries, schools, and child-centred organisations
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