By MILLICENT IFEANYICHUKWU / FAWEHINMI OLUWANIFEMI

The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to protect children from sexual and gender-based violence, bullying, cultism and drug abuse through a sensitisation programme targeting students, teachers and other stakeholders.

Speaking, the Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said the initiative underscored the government’s determination to create safe, inclusive and disciplined schools that supported learning, character formation and responsible citizenship.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, organised by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in collaboration with Lagos State Domestic and Social Violence Agency (DSVA) and Ministry of Youth and Social Development was held on Wednesday in Ikeja.

Alli-Balogun warned that sexual and gender-based violence, alongside rising incidents of bullying, cult activities and substance abuse, continued to endanger children’s physical, emotional and educational development across communities.

The commissioner charged teachers to serve as mentors, counsellors and protectors by identifying early warning signs, encouraging open communication and ensuring prompt action on reported cases of abuse.

Alli-Balogun also urged students, parents, religious bodies and community leaders to become active partners in safeguarding children, insisting that collective action remained crucial to securing a safer future.

According to him, education is not merely about academic success; it is about raising confident, disciplined and morally upright citizens who learn, grow and flourish without fear.

“Collaboration is key in this mission. Through partnerships such as this, we continue to strengthen child protection and promote positive values across our public secondary schools.

“Teachers must never ignore reports of abuse or bullying because every child deserves protection, dignity, fairness and opportunities to reach their highest aspirations.

“Students should reject cultism, drugs and violence, embrace respect and kindness, and courageously speak out whenever classmates experience intimidation, harassment or any form of abuse.”

Earlier, Mrs Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, the ministry’s permanent secretary said the programme demonstrated the Lagos state government’s resolve to protect learners by promoting zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence, bullying, cultism, and drug abuse.

Dokunmu-Adegbite urged students, teachers, parents, and communities to work collectively toward building safer schools, noting that discipline, vigilance, and mutual respect remained fundamental to quality education.

She added that, “protecting our children requires collective action, and every student and teacher must stand firmly against sexual violence, bullying, cultism, and drug abuse in our schools.

“Our students must remember that their voice matters. Speak up when you witness or experience any form of abuse or intimidation. Together, we can build a culture of respect, empathy, and accountability in all our schools.”

In her remark, the executive secretary of DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, urged students to speak out against abuse, avoid secluded places, reject inappropriate advances, and promptly report misconduct.

“Always speak out, avoid secluded places, reject inappropriate touching, and report any unnecessary advances immediately to (08000333333) regardless of whether they come from teachers or peers.

“If you see something, say something, and do something, Lagos state says ‘No’ to child abuse, child’s protection is everyone’s responsibility,” she added.

The programme was attended by students, teachers and stakeholders from the six educational districts across the state and had speakers from DSVA and Ministry of Youth and Social Development. (NAN)