By OYINKANSOLA OLADOKUN/FLORENCE ONUEGBU

The Lagos State Government, through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has urged children to speak out against all forms of violence and abuses.

The Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, gave the advice during the agency’s “Safeguarding and Child Protection Day,” on Monday at Ikeja.

Vivour-Adeniyi said that the Child Protection Week was part of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness activities, designed to protect the children.

She said that children needed to understand their roles in protecting themselves, especially those from age two to eight, who were at higher risk of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

The executive secretary said that the focus was on engaging primary school pupils, to educate them about their rights, responsibilities, and the importance of speaking up.

“It is important for us to focus fully and constructively, engage the children, engaging them on their rights, engage them on their responsibilities, letting them know that it is okay to tell.

“Letting them know that they will not die if they speak up and speak out, letting them know who to speak to and how to ensure that they are able to get help.

“So we developed some booklets. We have the “My Passport of Rights, and we have the Safeguarding the Rights of a Child.

“Every child is going home with them and after now, the hope and what we are telling them to do is when they get home, they should make sure that they read these different books which we are taking them to page by page.

“This is so that the message sticks with them, and they can go back and tell their friends what they learned today. But ultimately, it’s an opportunity for us to celebrate our children,” she said.

In her goodwill message, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, urged children not to remain silent in the face of abuse.

“When you see something, say something. Report any inappropriate behaviour to a trusted adult. Abuse is unacceptable anywhere — at home, in schools, or in communities,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

DSVA officials also introduced the “PANTS Rule” to guide children in understanding boundaries: Private parts are private; Always remember your body belongs to you; No means no; Talk about things that upset you; and Speak up, someone can help you.

Pupils from Bishop Oluwole Primary School, Holy Trinity Primary School, Ebenezer Nursery and Primary School, Layi Oyekanmi Nursery and Primary School, and others, participated in drama, songs and dance, highlighting the dangers of abuse. (NAN)