Child Abuse: Over 600 Pupils in Kogi Communities Sensitized 

By Friday Obande

Olugbemisola Daramola Child Care Foundation, (ODCCF) a non-governmental organisation, Tuesday, sensitised more than 600 pupils from Kogi on proactive measures against ‘Child Abuse’ and kidnapping.

The organisation’s Founder, Mrs Olugbemisola Osagiede-Daramola, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Lokoja.

She said that the aim of the programme was to equip the pupils with comprehensive child protection techniques to reduce incidences of kidnappings and sexual abuse.

The pupils drawn from four primary schools in Yagba West Local Government Areas are the three streams of ECWA Primary Schools, Odo-Ere and Universal Basic Education Primary School, Ejiba.

Osagiede-Daramola, also explained that the programme became imperative due to the increasing threats of child abuse and kidnapping targeting children in the area, hence the practical safety measures for the children.

Furthermore, the social worker and specialist in child protection, said that the beneficiaries were taught the danger signs and what to do once they noticed them.

According to her, “The programme was designed to raise awareness among children, many of whom were unaware of the tactics used by kidnappers and sexual predators.

“They were taught how to respond promptly to dangers by shouting, fleeing and reporting suspicious individuals, especially in the absence of adult supervisions.

“Emphasis was placed on body safety, with the pupils learning to reject and report inappropriate touches.

“The children were further encouraged to move in groups after school hours, avoid secluded or bushy areas and never to leave religious or school premises without a trusted adult,’’ she said.

Osagiede-Daramola said that the training was part of the foundation’s long-term commitment to child safety and protection in the state.

“We want every child to know that they have the right to be safe and they must speak out against any form of abuse,” she said.

NAN reports that the session marked the second phase of ODCCF’s child outreach campaign in Yagba West area.

The first tagged, “Girls Day Out With Aunty Gbemi”, attended by more than 1,500 female students from some secondary schools in Yagba West, focused on the risks of teenage pregnancy.

Osagiede-Daramola used the medium to call on the Kogi Government to strengthen its child protection mechanisms through collaborations with private organisations and implement strict sanctions against offenders.

She urged for the reintegration of out-of-school children into the academic system, proposing the introduction of incentives such as free school meals and textbooks.

She also stressed that errant parents promoting child labour and early marriage should be made to face the legal consequences.

Highlights of the event were: the singing of motivational educational songs and visual manuals to enhance retention of the safety strategies.