Lagos female secondary school students have been equipped with knowledge and skills to protect themselves against sexual abuse and child trafficking, following a one‑day seminar organised by the Education authorities.
The programme, themed “Your Safety, Your Voice: Building a School Community Free from Abuse,” brought together students from across three zones to discuss safety, boundaries, and reporting mechanisms.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Mojisola Christiana Yusuff, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, urged the students to act as ambassadors of their schools by sharing lessons learned with peers who could not attend, amplifying the seminar’s impact.
Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, encouraged students to speak out against inappropriate behaviour, stressing that silence could be misinterpreted as consent. “Don’t allow anybody to destroy your dreams. Go out there and find your voice,” she said.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ajeseni of NAPTIP Lagos Office highlighted the dangers of trafficking, including loss of freedom, abuse, and health risks. She warned students against traffickers’ tactics such as fake job or scholarship offers and urged them to report suspicious activities. “Your life is precious, your freedom is non‑negotiable,” she stated.
Social impact advocate Dr. Joy Kounasso emphasised the importance of setting personal boundaries and defining safety in physical, emotional, and environmental terms. She advised students to trust their instincts and speak up when something feels wrong.
Meanwhile, social work professional Dr. Oluwatoyin Kotun identified warning signs of unsafe situations, such as sudden mood changes, withdrawal from friends, declining academic performance, and frequent conflicts. He explained that clear boundaries promote safety, self-respect, and positive decision-making.
The seminar reflects the authorities’ commitment to creating safer school environments where every child’s voice is heard and every dream protected.
