The Oyo State Chapter of the Child Protection Network (CPN), in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, has rolled out a series of impactful child safeguarding initiatives in 2025, reinforcing efforts from the previous year.
In a press statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the state capital on Sunday, it stated that these interventions, which span community engagement, school-based programs, and advocacy campaigns, are aimed at building safer environments for vulnerable children across Oyo State.
The statement added that key interventions include the inauguration of Community Child Protection Committees in Ibadan South East, the expansion of School-Based Child Protection Clubs to 20 additional schools across five LGAs, and a large-scale Child Marriage Prevention Campaign in Kajola LGA.
The statement added that these efforts brought together key stakeholders including government ministries, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, security agencies, school administrators, and local communities.
The initiatives have been fully funded by SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, underscoring the organization’s continued commitment to strengthening child protection systems in the state.
Read below full statement
OYO CPN, SOS NIGERIA STRENGTHEN CHILD PROTECTION IN OYO STATE
The Child Protection Network (CPN), Oyo State Chapter, in exclusive partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, has stepped up after projects carried out last year, 2024 with the implementation of three major child protection interventions across Oyo State within 2025 and still working.
These projects, designed to promote community ownership of safeguarding efforts, involved a broad alliance of state and non-state actors, including government ministries, traditional rulers, CSOs, educators, law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders.
Each activity reflects the core vision of building stronger families, safer schools, and responsive communities for children in vulnerable situations.
1. Inauguration of Ibadan South East Community Child Protection Committee.
In April 2025, the Ibadan South East Community Child Protection Committee was inaugurated across three communities:
Fere Odinjo
Oyapidan Owode muIfelajulo/Okeilorun Ojuodo
Oyapidan Owode Academy
Ifelajulo/Okeilorun Ojuodo
Each community appointed 10 members, who received orientation on child protection principles and basic case management among others.
These committees will serve as the first line of defense in identifying, reporting, and responding to child abuse and neglect.
The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion was represented by Mr. Ojerinde Gbemileke, the Director, Child Welfare Department, reaffirming the state’s backing for community-driven protection.
Also in attendance was Mr. Ariori, Director, Community Development Department and the immediate Past State Coordinator, Child Protection Network,Oyo State,Mrs. Oluwatoyin Ogedengbe.
The programme was coordinated by CPN Project Implementation Committee, with Mrs. Ayomide Adebayo, former PIC lead, presenting the initiative overview.
State Actors Present:
Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion
Local Government Officials
Nigeria Police, NSCDC and Community Security Units
Non-State Actors Present:
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)e
Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs)
Local Chiefs and Traditional Councils
Child protection volunteers and parents
This project was solely funded by SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, whose support enabled a smooth rollout of training, logistics, and committee formation.
2. Expansion of School-Based Child Protection Clubs
In continuation of the 2024 pilot project, CPN Oyo, with exclusive sponsorship from SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, received approval from the Ministry of Education to expand school-based child protection clubs to 20 new schools across five Local Government Areas:
Selected LGAs and Schools:
Egbeda LGA – Olodo and Akingbile schools
Ibadan North LGA – Abadina and Bodija schools
Ibadan North East LGA – Army Barracks Grammar School, Basorun
Kajola LGA – Okeho and Ilua schools
Ogbomoso South LGA – Takie and Odo-Oru schools
Each school received branded banners/other instructional materials and teachers are being prepared for structured follow-up to embed the clubs as extracurricular support systems where children are trained on rights, protection, peer accountability, and safe reporting.
State Actors Involved:
Oyo State Ministry of Education
School Administrators and Guidance Counselors
Local Education Authorities
Non-State Actors Involved:
CPN-trained facilitators and child protection officers
School-based Civil Society Partners
3. Child Marriage Prevention Campaign – Kajola LGA
On July 19, 2025, CPN Oyo held a Community Sensitization Campaign on Child Marriage Prevention at Okeho Town Hall, Kajola, gathering over 100 participants from Bode, Isia, and Isemile communities.
Highlights:
A compelling keynote by Chief Mrs. Olowoyo on the causes and effects of child marriage
A powerful drama presentation showing cultural pressures and their consequences on the girl child
Group feedback sessions with practical community recommendations
State Actors Present:
Kajola LGA Office and Representatives of the Chairman
Ministry of Health Officials
Traditional rulers and town leaders
Law enforcement representatives
Non-State Actors Present:
Youth leaders and community advocates
Religious leaders from churches and mosques
Media personnel from local radio
12 CPN volunteers handling coordination and documentation. This included the Current PIC Chairperson Mrs. Monica Adogbeji.
Community Recommendations Included:
Expand school-based education on child marriage
Government regulation of harmful social media
Training of teachers on early detection of abuse
Empowerment for women and teenage mothers
Parental education on children’s rights.
Dr. Rosemary Odigbo the current State Coordinator, led everyone including the Royal fathers present, in pledge to stand Against Child Marriage.
