The Oyo State Government has intensified its child protection efforts with the inauguration of a Technical Working Committee (TWC) responsible for drafting the state’s first comprehensive Child Safeguarding Policy.
The committee was inaugurated by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Honourable Toyin Balogun, during the second Oyo State Child Safeguarding Summit held at the Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, Ibadan. The summit, organised by Haven Initiative in partnership with the ministry, brought together government representatives, civil society organisations, development partners, and child protection experts under the theme: “Strengthening Partnerships: Accelerating Safe and Protective Environments for Children in Oyo State.”
Speaking through Mr. Diya Ogunjimi, Balogun described the event as “a collective call to action,” stressing that children continue to face increasing risks of abuse, exploitation, and neglect. She emphasised the need for coordinated and sustained partnerships rather than fragmented interventions.
“Every child deserves safety, dignity, and the freedom to dream without fear,” she said. She also commended Haven Initiative for its long-standing commitment to child welfare and reaffirmed the Makinde administration’s dedication to strengthening reporting mechanisms, building caregiver capacity, and ensuring swift responses to abuse cases.
A key highlight of the summit was the inauguration of the TWC, which will draft a safeguarding policy aligned with global best practices. The policy aims to make child safeguarding “a standard, not an aspiration” across schools, health centres, religious institutions, and communities.
Panel discussions featured insights on persistent gaps in child protection, effective community-based models, and innovative strategies for strengthening safety nets for vulnerable children.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Honourable Abiodun Ayodeji Aikomo, Deborah Collins reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to child protection and pledged full support for the development of the Safeguarding Policy.
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