Every child should be free from violence — Oyo CPN

The coordinator of the Child Protection Network (CPN), Oyo State Chapter, Dr Rosemary Odigbo, has said that every child in Oyo State should be free from violence and that child protection is continuous.

She stated this at a press conference on November 1 at the Odunlade Arts Gallery, Bodija, Ibadan, to launch the 19 Days of Activism against Violence Towards Children.

She explained that the Child Protection Network (CPN) has worked tirelessly to address some of the complex challenges children face especially in Oyo.

While addressing the press, Dr Odigbo said government agencies, law enforcement, other non-governmental organisations, the media, and the public should join hands to create a formidable front to end violence against children.

According to her, “CPN has collaborated with so many SOS children villages to carry out capacity building trainings for teachers and students. Community members’ sensitisation and awareness programme on issues like violence against children, how to identify and report abuse among others has also been carried out in various communities and schools to ensure that every child has a safe environment in which they can grow and thrive.

“This campaign is to remind us that the fight to protect children is a continuous one and must become an ongoing pledge to work towards a future where every child in Oyo State and beyond is free from violence.”

She further explained that the activities that this 19-day campaign will feature include raising awareness, strengthening reporting mechanisms, collaborating for change, and empowering families and communities.

In his remarks, a stalwart of CPN in Oyo State, Alhaji Iskilu Yusuf, in line with the theme for this year: ‘Listen to the future,’ emphasised the need to always listen to children.

“Children are the most vulnerable in the society. We need to ensure that they are safe and that they get the best that they deserve,” he said.

While analysing the day-to-day activities that have been outlined for the next 19 days, the state deputy coordinator, Mrs Ibukunoluwa Otesile, said each day has been designed to speak significantly against different vices and forms of violence against children.

These include: the use of children for armed conflicts, bullying, child neglect and labour, child sexual abuse, harmful traditional practices like female genital mutilation, ICT dangers and cyberbullying, addiction, and substance abuse, juvenile justice and the penalties, street children and their vulnerability, among others.

November 20 is Universal Children’s Day and it’s going to be the wrap of the activities for this year’s programme.