By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
In a move to protect children’s rights at the grassroots, over 40 community leaders in Ikorodu North LCDA have been trained as Community Safeguarding Champions by WaterAid Nigeria.
The training, supported by Kimberly Clark, Microsoft, PepsiCo Foundation, Cummins, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, aimed to educate participants on WaterAid’s safeguarding guidelines, their application, and reporting mechanisms for safeguarding concerns involving children under 18.
Speaking at the event, WaterAid Nigeria’s Safeguarding Focal Person in Lagos, Mrs. Grace Uwadiale, emphasized that all children have the right to be protected from physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect.
She reiterated that WaterAid has zero tolerance for inaction on safeguarding issues and urged victims to speak out and seek psychosocial support.
“Safeguarding is not only about children but also includes vulnerable adults such as women, people with disabilities, and marginalized groups,” she noted.
She further explained that the trained champions are responsible for:
“Raising awareness in their communities
“Reporting safeguarding incidents within 24 hours
“Escalating cases beyond the community level when necessary.”
Chairman of the Community Development Committee, Prince Adeniran Ogunbanwo, praised WaterAid Nigeria for empowering rural communities with critical safeguarding knowledge.
He pledged that the training would be shared in schools, religious gatherings, and community events to ensure wider awareness.
He also urged parents and guardians to be more vigilant in monitoring their children’s activities to prevent sexual harassment, intimidation, and violence.
