By Editor
The Ekiti State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with development partners to improve child protection systems and promote the wellbeing of children across the state.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Olapeju Babafemi, stated this at the opening of a five-day training for Community-Based Child Protection Structures in Ado-Ekiti.
Babafemi, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Olusola Adeluyi-Femi, said no single entity could address the challenges of child protection alone, stressing the need for coordinated efforts involving government, communities, development partners, civil society organisations, and citizens.
She described community-based child protection structures as critical grassroots partners in identifying risks early, preventing abuse and violence, and ensuring that children grow up in safe environments.
According to her, strengthening these structures remains central to the Oyebanji administration's child protection agenda.
The Commissioner appreciated the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for sponsoring the training and for its sustained partnership with the state in promoting children's rights and wellbeing.
She also acknowledged BIGIF, a non-governmental organisation in Ekiti, for its collaboration in implementing the programme.
Babafemi said the ministry looked forward to strengthening its partnership with BIGIF and other stakeholders to improve service delivery for vulnerable children across the state.
She added that the Oyebanji administration remained committed to creating an enabling environment for every child in Ekiti to thrive, noting that investment in children was an investment in the future of the state.
The Commissioner also acknowledged the advocacy efforts of the Office of the First Lady, particularly its campaigns against violence against children, saying they aligned with government policies and reinforced the administration's commitment to protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
She expressed interest in joining the training later in the week and extended warm greetings to the participants.
Babafemi urged participants drawn from selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) to take ownership of the knowledge gained during the training and translate it into practical action in their communities, noting that the success of the partnership would ultimately be measured by positive changes in the lives of children and families across Ekiti.
The training, being implemented in partnership with UNICEF and BIGIF, is expected to strengthen grassroots child protection mechanisms and complement ongoing efforts by the Oyebanji administration to protect vulnerable children across the state.
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