Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on the bullying of children, declaring that such acts will not be condoned under the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
The state Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, stated this on Tuesday in a keynote address he delivered at the 2025 International Children’s Day Celebration held at Alausa, Ikeja
The event was themed “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bully-Free Generation.”
According to the Commissioner, the celebration serves not only to honor children but also to listen to them and protect them as future leaders.
“We are here not just to celebrate our children, but to listen to them and safeguard their well-being.
“A society that protects its children is a society that secures its future.
“Our children are our future, and bullying in any form will not be tolerated.
“Every child deserves respect, dignity, and love.
Today is a clarion call for all to place the best interests of our children at the heart of our actions,” Ogunlende said.
In her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, stressed the importance of celebrating children every day not just on Children’s Day to foster a sense of inclusion, in line with the Social Inclusion policy of the THEMES+ Agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
She noted that the Ministry has strengthened the child protection system through its Child Protection Unit, with a strong focus on implementing the Child Rights Law and ensuring violators are prosecuted.
“The Ministry is working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that no child in Lagos State experiences bullying whether emotional, physical, or cyber.
“It will not be tolerated under our watch. We urge everyone to adopt the policy of ‘If you see something, say something,” she added.
Motivational speaker and Founder of Solid Teens and Youth Initiative, Mrs. Gbemi Agbato, condemned all forms of bullying, describing it as a degrading and harmful act.
She urged children to speak up and stand against it, labeling it an evil that must be eradicated.
Highlight of the event, some students participated in a public speaking competition.
Adeleke Abdulraman from Education District V clinched first place in the junior category with the topic, “Bullies Can Change If They Are Helped, Not Punished.”
In the senior category, Osibamowo Kehinde Mercy from Education District II emerged as the winner with her presentation, “The Best Way to Reach Bullies Is Through Kindness and Inclusion.”
The celebration also featured a screening of the movie “DINA”, produced by Wilson Ukhurebor.
The film, themed “What Society Does to Us” highlighted the psychological and emotional impact of bullying and underscored the urgent need for collective action against the menace.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
