RismadarVoice Reporters, May 22, 2026
The Ondo State Government has expressed concern over the increasing cases of child abuse, trafficking, bullying and other social challenges affecting children across the state ahead of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
The concern was raised during a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, where the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Seun Bosede Osamaye, called for stronger collaboration among relevant stakeholders to ensure the protection and welfare of children.
Osamaye identified issues such as child neglect, child labour, abandonment and limited access to quality education as persistent threats to children’s development and future.
“Persistent challenges such as child abuse, neglect, trafficking, child labour, abandonment and poor access to quality education continue to threaten the future of children. Urgent intervention is needed,” she said.
According to her, the 2026 Children’s Day theme, “ Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” underscores the need to ensure that every child, irrespective of gender, disability or background, has equal opportunities and access to protection.
She also highlighted activities lined up for the Children’s Day celebration, including a session of the State Children’s Parliament with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, oratory contests, talent hunts, cultural displays and public awareness campaigns.
Other stakeholders at the event also stressed the need for stronger measures to safeguard children.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, advocated improved school security and more inclusive educational policies.
Similarly, the Ondo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Olayemi Ibiloye, represented by Deputy Commandant Folasade Olakanse, described the theme as a call for coordinated action among stakeholders to protect children’s rights.
Ibiloye expressed concern over increasing attacks on schools and urged governments, religious organisations, communities and families to strengthen efforts aimed at ensuring children’s safety both within and outside school environments.
In his goodwill message, the Director-General of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, Abiodun Oyeleyin, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services for women and children.
Oyeleyin disclosed that more than 52,000 women and children had benefited from the state’s free healthcare programme since 2019, while over 20,000 babies had been delivered through the initiative.
