The Lagos State Government has commenced the 2026 Safeguarding and Child Protection Week with a call for stronger action to protect children from abuse. The five-day programme, themed “My Silence Ends Here,” started on Monday, 21st September 2026, at the LASUBEB Hall, Maryland, Lagos. The initiative aims to strengthen child protection and deepen preventive approaches to child abuse across the six education districts of the State.
The programme is expected to engage over 1,500 children across the State on child safeguarding, protection, awareness, and the importance of speaking up against abuse. Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), emphasized the importance of creating an environment where children can speak up about abuse without fear.
Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), reaffirmed the importance of creating safe and supportive learning environments for children. He noted that schools have a critical role to play in safeguarding children and encouraged education stakeholders to remain vigilant and responsive to concerns relating to child abuse and protection.
Madam Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, commended the initiative and emphasized the collective responsibility of government, schools, parents, communities, and other stakeholders in ensuring the safety and well-being of every child. She encouraged the children to speak up whenever they feel unsafe, assuring them that their voices matter.
The programme forms part of Lagos State’s broader commitment to combating sexual and gender-based violence and protecting vulnerable persons. The Safeguarding and Child Protection Week is designed to reinforce the message that children should not be expected to suffer abuse in silence. It also seeks to strengthen the capacity of adults, communities, and institutions to provide safe channels for disclosure and respond appropriately when concerns are raised.
The opening day featured two interactive sessions by STRAC and STAI, an artistic presentation centred on “My Silence Ends Here,” music and dance, an awards presentation, and a pledge ceremony. The week-long engagement will continue across the State’s education districts, with activities scheduled for different locations between 21st and 25th September 2026.
Other goodwill messages at the opening ceremony were delivered by TG/PS, Education District II, Mr. Sanni Layemo; TG/PS, Education District VI, Mrs. Mojisola Christiana Yusuff; and Head of Marketing, AXA Mansard, Mr. Olusesan Ogunyooye. The initiative is a collaborative effort among schools, families, communities, and relevant institutions to protect children.
Key points
- The Lagos State Government has started the 2026 Safeguarding and Child Protection Week to engage over 1,500 children on child safeguarding and protection.
- The programme aims to strengthen child protection and deepen preventive approaches to child abuse across the six education districts of the State.
- The initiative seeks to create an environment where children can speak up about abuse without fear and provide safe channels for disclosure.
