The Kwara State Government has teamed up with retired Police Public Relations Officer Ajayi Okasanmi and his company, OKSOM 92 Security Consult Limited, to organize a Child Abuse Prevention Workshop in Ilorin.
The workshop, which took place at the Ritana Hotel event hall in Ilorin under the theme “Kwara State Local Government Child Abuse Prevention,” aimed to educate the public on the importance of proper child-rearing and the eradication of child abuse across communities.
The event saw a strong turnout of dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development, Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar Bata, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Iyabo Modupe Adekeye. Also in attendance were notable figures such as the Comptroller of Immigration for the Kwara State Command, Mrs. Okuwa-Idris Iyabode, the CEO of the International Women Conference Centre, Dr. Limota Gorosso, Barrister Anthonia Oshiniwe Erinfolami-Daniel representing the FIDA Kwara State chapter, and traditional rulers like the Olusin of Isanlu Isin, Oba Solomon Oluwagbemiga Oloyede, among others.
In his opening remarks, Okasanmi, the CEO of OKSOM 92 Security Consult Limited, underscored the crucial role of community engagement in preventing child abuse and fostering proper child upbringing. He emphasized that the workshop aimed to empower participants with the knowledge and tools essential for combating child abuse effectively within their respective local government areas.
Reflecting on his experiences as a retired police officer during an interview with Akoresh News, Okasanmi shared insights into the imperative of raising awareness about child abuse and trafficking to prevent criminal activities involving children.
He stressed the pivotal importance of addressing these issues during a child’s formative years for effective intervention and prevention.
“As a retired police officer, I have had experiences where children are used in carrying out criminal acts. So, it is better at their formative years for people and the government to have the consciousness that these children are supposed to be reformed before getting to adulthood where it will be difficult for them to be corrected,” he stated.
The Olusin of Isanlu Isin, Oba Solomon Atobatele, urged parents to embrace their responsibilities in caring for their children to shield them from experiencing any form of abuse.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Iyabode, the Comptroller of Immigration for the Kwara State Command, highlighted the pivotal role of immigration services in protecting children from trafficking and exploitation, reaffirming the command’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding children.
The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs Bata, in his address, which flagged up the event, conveyed the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring their well-being. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders in tackling the menace of child abuse.
During her lecture titled “Child Abuse: A Significant Contemporary Community Problem,” Dr. Gorosso of the International Women Conference Centre stressed the vital role parents play in the proper upbringing of children, emphasizing the importance of shelter, feeding, and family planning in preventing child abuse. She highlighted various forms of abuse, attributing them to issues like neglect, physical abuse, and economic challenges, underscoring the necessity of government awareness and support to combat these challenges.
The interactive workshop featured informative sessions, presentations, and discussions on different facets of child abuse prevention, including the identification of warning signs, reporting procedures, and the creation of a nurturing environment for children. A strong emphasis was placed on collaborative efforts between government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders as key to effectively addressing and preventing child abuse at the community level.