CPN, SOS Children’s Villages Champion Child Protection and Youth Empowerment in Oyo State -

The Child Protection Network (CPN), Oyo State, in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, convened a Students and Stakeholders’ Assembly at Oba Akinbiyi School Hall, Mokola, Ibadan North Local Government Area, with the theme: “Empowering Schools, Elevating Youth Voices, Strengthening Child Protection.”

The event, which brought together educators, community leaders, government officials, child protection actors, and students, was a major step in the ongoing CPN/SOS Family Strengthening Project for 2025 aimed at promoting safer learning environments and amplifying youth voices in child protection advocacy.

In her welcome address, the State Coordinator of CPN, Dr. Rosemary Odigbo, described the gathering as “a significant milestone in building a community where children are not only protected but empowered to lead and thrive.”
She commended the Oyo State Government for its continued collaboration, acknowledging the roles of Hon. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Balogun, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, and Hon. Prof. Segun Olayiwola, Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, for their unwavering support.
Dr. Odigbo also lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for fostering an enabling environment that prioritizes child protection and youth development across the state.

Students Shine at Inter-School Debate

One of the most exciting highlights of the day was the Inter-School Debate Competition, where students passionately addressed issues affecting their lives and communities. It was not just a contest but a celebration of young voices, critical thinking, and leadership.

At the end of a keenly contested session, Oba Akinbiyi High School, Mokola, emerged as the overall winner with 87 points, going home with a ₦30,000 cash prize, while Methodist Secondary School, Bodija, came second with 84 points, receiving ₦20,000.
The competition showcased the students’ brilliance, confidence, and commitment to being positive change agents within their schools and communities.

Legal Insights on Child Protection

Delivering a keynote presentation titled “Child Protection Legal Frameworks and Reporting Abuse,” the State Commander of NAPTIP, Mr. Kayode A. Alfred, outlined key national and international laws safeguarding children in Nigeria.
He referenced the 1999 Constitution, Child’s Rights Act (2003), Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act (2015), Labour Act (2004), and the Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Enforcement and Administration Act (2015 & 2019) as critical instruments in protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.

Mr. Alfred emphasized the importance of timely reporting of child abuse to prevent further harm and ensure justice, urging participants to act swiftly when violations occur.

“If you see something, say something and do something,” he charged.

The assembly also provided an avenue for knowledge sharing among child protection actors, NGOs, and schools on practical steps for identifying, reporting, and addressing cases of abuse within the community.

A Call to Collective Action

In her closing remarks, Dr. Odigbo reaffirmed that child protection is a shared responsibility, calling on all stakeholders to continue collaborating toward a safer and more inclusive society for children.

The event ended on a high note with an interactive session between students and officials from CPN, SOS Children’s Villages, and NAPTIP, highlighting collective commitment to the well-being and empowerment of children in Oyo State.