The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and other development partners, has intensified efforts to strengthen child protection at the grassroots by equipping community stakeholders with the knowledge, skills and coordination mechanisms needed to prevent and respond effectively to child protection concerns across the state.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Faosat Joke Sanni, stated this at the opening of a five-day training programme on Community-Based Child Protection Structures (CBCPS), organised by the ministry in partnership with UNICEF at the Local Government Staff Training School, Hall B, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner described child protection as a collective responsibility that extends beyond government, stressing that sustainable results can only be achieved through strong partnerships and active community participation.
She commended participants for accepting the responsibility of serving as advocates and defenders of children's rights in their respective communities.
"Children are the foundation of every prosperous society and the future upon which sustainable development depends. Yet, many continue to suffer abuse, neglect, exploitation, violence, child labour, trafficking and other harmful practices that threaten their survival and development. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated, proactive and community-driven responses that place the best interests of every child at the centre of all interventions," she said.
According to the Commissioner, the establishment and strengthening of Community-Based Child Protection Structures is a strategic step toward making child protection services more accessible, responsive, inclusive and sustainable at the community level.
"By empowering communities to identify risks early and respond appropriately, we can build safer environments where every child is protected and given the opportunity to thrive," she added.
Alhaja Sanni reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to promoting the welfare, protection and development of women, children and other vulnerable groups through strategic policies, programmes and partnerships that continue to strengthen the state's child protection system.
She also appreciated UNICEF for its sustained technical and financial support, describing the organisation as a dependable partner in advancing children's rights and building resilient child protection systems in Oyo State.
The Commissioner urged participants to maximise the training by embracing collaboration, sharing experiences and applying the knowledge gained to strengthen community structures, support vulnerable families and ensure timely responses to child protection cases.
She noted that the ultimate goal is to build a child-friendly Oyo State where every child enjoys safety, dignity, protection and equal opportunities to realise his or her full potential.
Delivering a lecture titled "Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and Understanding Child Protection," UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Mr. Denis Onoise, urged participants to intensify efforts to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse while promoting safe and protective environments for children.
He emphasised that safeguarding children is a shared responsibility that requires the active involvement of individuals, institutions and communities.
Mr. Onoise encouraged participants to put the knowledge acquired during the training into practice, stressing that the safety, welfare and protection of children must always remain a priority.
He explained that Community-Based Child Protection Structures are critical to ensuring that child protection services are accessible at the grassroots, where most child protection concerns first emerge.
"By strengthening these structures, UNICEF is supporting the government to empower communities to identify vulnerable children early, prevent abuse and exploitation, and ensure timely referral and response to cases requiring intervention," he said.
Mr. Onoise noted that UNICEF works with governments and communities by strengthening existing child protection systems and building local capacity rather than replacing government institutions.
He added that the organisation's primary role is to support governments and communities in developing sustainable, community-owned and well-coordinated child protection systems capable of safeguarding every child.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Oluyinka Shotonwa Roagess, said the training reflects the shared commitment of government and development partners to ensuring that every child grows up in a safe, nurturing and protective environment.
She described the programme as another milestone in strengthening community ownership of child protection interventions and promoting coordinated responses to child protection issues across Oyo State.
According to her, Community-Based Child Protection Structures serve as the first point of contact for identifying vulnerable children, preventing abuse and exploitation, and ensuring timely referrals for appropriate interventions.
Mrs. Roagess explained that the five-day training was designed to deepen participants' understanding of child protection principles, national and state legal frameworks, safeguarding standards, case identification and referral pathways, community engagement strategies, as well as the roles and responsibilities of Community-Based Child Protection Structures.
Also speaking, the Director of Child Welfare, Mr. Gbemileke Ojerinde, described the training as timely, noting that strengthening community-based child protection mechanisms has become increasingly important in tackling abuse, neglect, exploitation, violence, trafficking and other threats confronting children.
He said Community-Based Child Protection Structures provide the first line of support for children and families by identifying vulnerable children, preventing violations of their rights, facilitating timely referrals and promoting effective collaboration among government agencies, community leaders, service providers and development partners.
Mr. Ojerinde encouraged participants to actively engage throughout the training by sharing experiences, asking questions and building stronger professional networks.
He emphasised that the success of Community-Based Child Protection Structures depends not only on the knowledge acquired during the training but also on the commitment of stakeholders to work together in protecting children and promoting their well-being across communities in Oyo State.
Participants at the training were drawn from Community-based organizations, community leaders, youths, and community security architecture among others.
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