The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the protection of children’s rights, declaring that bullying in any form will not be tolerated under the current administration led by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
This strong stance was conveyed by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, during the 2025 International Children’s Day Celebration, held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
Delivering the keynote address at the event themed “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building A Bully-Free Generation,” Ogunlende emphasized the importance of creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for every child in Lagos.
“We are not just here to celebrate our children but to listen to them and protect them. Our children are the future, and any form of bullying will not be tolerated. Every child deserves to be respected, loved, and heard,” he declared.
In her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Pharm. (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, echoed the Commissioner’s message, highlighting the THEMES Plus Agenda’s emphasis on social inclusion.
She explained that the Ministry has intensified efforts to protect children’s rights through its dedicated Child Protection Unit and strict enforcement of the Child Rights Law.
“We are collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that no child is subjected to emotional, physical, or cyberbullying. Our policy is clear: if you see something, say something,” she said.
Adding her voice, Mrs. Gbemi Agbato, Founder of the Solid Teens and Youth Initiative, described bullying as a harmful and deliberate act that every child must be empowered to resist.
The event featured a debate session by the children and a screening of the film “What Society Does To Us,” produced by Wilson Ukhurebor, which powerfully portrayed the detrimental effects of bullying and the urgent need for collective action against it.
