…..reiterates Gov Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to prioritising overall well-being of children, women, vulnerable persons
The Ondo State Government led by Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to tackle child abuse, trafficking, bullying and other social challenges that can prevent children from attaining their full potential in the state.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, made the call during a press briefing and a one-day stakeholders’ engagement and Lecture organised in preparation for the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration held at the Ministry’s Women Development and Skills Acquisition Centre.
Dr Osamaye who revealed that the programme formed part of the activities lined up for the 2026 Children’s Day celebration in the state, appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unflinching support for the welfare of children in the State and his wiife, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, Development Partners, Security Agencies, Civil Society Organisations, Religious Leaders and other stakeholders for their commitment to child welfare, development and protection.
Dr Osamaye who emphasised that the National Children’s Day celebration is not merely a ceremonial event, but a reminder of the collective responsibility of all to nurture, protect, educate and empower every child to become a responsible and productive member of the society, added that issues such as child abuse, neglect, trafficking, child labour, abandonment and poor access to quality education continued to threaten the future of many children, stressing the need for urgent action.
She said “The theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,’ is a strong call to action for all stakeholders to work together in ensuring that no child is left behind, regardless of gender, disability, socio-economic background, religion or ethnicity”
She emphasised that Governor Aiyedatiwa remained fully committed to implementing policies and Programmes that prioritise child protection, access to education, health-care delivery, social inclusion and the overall well-being of children, women, vulnerable persons and families across Ondo State.
“His Administration will continue to prioritise the future of our children as a critical pillar of sustainable development. This is encapsulated in the 10 Focal Points, tagged O’Datiwa Blueprints of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development ” she said
She further said” As a Ministry saddled with the responsibility of promoting the welfare and protection of women, children and vulnerable persons and families, we recognise that the future of our society depends largely on the investment we make in our children today ”
She explained that the stakeholders’ meeting was organised to strengthen collaboration, encourage dialogue and develop strategies towards achieving a successful Children’s Day celebration while advancing child rights advocacy, stating further that activities lined up for the celebration include a one-day sitting of the State Children’s Parliament with the Governor, Oratory Competitions, talent hunts, cultural displays, march past, awareness campaigns and interactive sessions for children.
She commended Media Organisations and Development Partners for their support of campaigns on child protection and social development, urging parents, schools, communities, faith-based organisations and other stakeholders to continue working together to create a safe and enabling environment for children.
“As we celebrate our children, let us remember that the future we desire begins with the investment we make in children today,” she stated.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Education, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, who was represented by his Special Assistant, Dr Yomi Akinrinmade, described the theme of the celebration as timely and thought-provoking, and commended Dr Osamaye and her team for consistently organising Programmes focused on addressing issues affecting children and women of the State
He therefore stressed the need for policies that would focus on child healthcare, safety, access to quality education and skills development in line with global standards for 21st-century children.
Prof. Ajibefun also emphasised the need to strengthen security and safety measures in all schools in the State, saying all stakeholders must work together to ensure children are protected and included in national development.
He said that the State Government would continue to prioritise education, inclusivity and the welfare of children through policies and programmes in the education sector.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Ondo State, Mr Oluyemi Ibiloye, represented by Deputy Commandant of Corps, Mrs Folasade Olakanse, described the theme of the celebration as a call to action for all stakeholders to protect children in the State
She warned against the growing trend of attacks on schools and stressed the need for collective efforts to safeguard children both in and out of school.
She urged Governments, Religious Organisations, Communities and families to rise to the challenge of protecting children’s rights and ensuring inclusiveness.
In his own goodwill message, the Director General of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, Dr Abiodun Oyeneyin stated that the State Government remained committed to providing healthcare services for women and children in the State
She disclosed that more than 52,000 women and children had benefited from the state’s free healthcare scheme since 2019, while over 20,000 babies had been delivered under the initiative.
Dr Afolabi added that the State Government would continue to ensure that children with special needs also benefit from healthcare programmes across the state.
Professor Bridget Awosika of the Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, while delivering her lecture, stressed the importance of promoting and protecting the rights of every Nigerian child.
Professor Awosika described children as critical stakeholders in national development and urged parents, teachers, caregivers and community leaders to provide proper care, education and support for them.
Prof, Awosika also called for greater support for children with disabilities, urging parents not to hide such children but rather seek assistance from relevant government agencies and special institutions.
She stressed the need for equal opportunities in education and healthcare for all children, irrespective of physical or mental challenges, adding that advocacy for children’s rights should be the responsibility of all members of society.
Present at the occasion were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Kolawole Kayode, Prince Rotimi Omopariola, Staff of the National Assembly, and the Hon Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development represented by the Director of Sports, Mrs Oderinde Caroline,. Mr Adebayo Oyegunwa, Director Social Welfare Development, Mr Mefun Tophas Director Child Development, Mr Samuel Olumide, Director Social Development, Security Agencies, Mrs Sarah Esakumoh, Hon Dr Mrs Jumoke Aborode, Hon. Nurse Ariola Adamalekun, Member HMB, Chief Mrs Eko Davids, Chief Mrs Adu Olufunke and other Critical Stakeholders drawing from line ministries parastatals, NGOs, NDLEA, Police Band, Zonal Education Officers, Women Leaders and others
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