The Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, has called for stronger collective action to protect children from abuse, urging them to speak up whenever they feel unsafe.

Salu-Hundeyin made the call in her keynote address at the opening of the 2026 Safeguarding and Child Protection Week at the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) Hall, Maryland, Lagos.

She commended the initiative and emphasised the collective responsibility of government, schools, parents, communities and other stakeholders in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every child.

The SSG encouraged children to speak up whenever they feel unsafe, assuring them that their voices matter and that they should not suffer abuse in silence.

The five-day programme, themed “My Silence Ends Here,” commenced on Monday, September 21, 2026, and will run through Friday, September 25, across the six education districts of the state.

The initiative is expected to engage more than 1,500 children on child safeguarding, protection, awareness and the importance of speaking up against abuse.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, emphasised the importance of creating an environment where children can speak up about abuse without fear.

She said adults and institutions must take responsibility for listening, responding and acting on concerns raised by children.

In his goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Dr Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, reaffirmed the importance of creating safe and supportive learning environments for children.

Shittu noted that schools have a critical role to play in safeguarding children and urged education stakeholders to remain vigilant and responsive to concerns relating to child abuse and protection.

He commended the initiative for placing child safeguarding at the centre of discussions and called for continued collaboration among schools, families, communities and relevant institutions to protect children.

Other goodwill messages at the opening ceremony were delivered by the TG/PS, Education District II, Mr Sanni Layemo; TG/PS, Education District VI, Mrs Mojisola Christiana Yusuff; and Head of Marketing, AXA Mansard, Mr Olusesan Ogunyooye.

The Safeguarding and Child Protection Week is designed to reinforce the message that children should not be expected to suffer abuse in silence. It also seeks to strengthen the capacity of adults, communities and institutions to provide safe channels for disclosure and respond appropriately when concerns are raised.

The opening day featured interactive sessions by STRAC and STAI, an artistic presentation centred on “My Silence Ends Here,” music and dance, an awards presentation and a pledge ceremony.

The week-long engagement will continue across the state’s education districts, with activities scheduled for different locations between September 21 and 25, bringing together students and stakeholders to deepen awareness and advocacy for child safeguarding and protection.