Precious Williams(Corper)
The office of Ogun State First Lady in collaboration with Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development on Tuesday organized a befitting programme in celebrating Children’s Day, and called for action to kick against bullying in schools.
Penpushing reports that the ceremony was held at Oba’s complex, located in, Abeokuta, the state capital and had in attendance number children from all three senatorial districts of the state.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, in her welcome speech said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Stand Up: Speak Up – Building a Bullying-Free Generation”, is not just a poetic arrangement of words.
‘It is an exciting charge to action. It is a trumpet blown from the mountaintop of conscience, summoning every parent, policymaker, teacher, peer, and protector of childhood to rise and defend the sacred dignity of every child’.
‘Bullying, in all its forms, physical, emotional, psychological, or digital is an unrelenting thief of joy, a silent saboteur of dreams, and a smuggler of scars into souls too young to bear them. We must no longer whisper about it’, she emphasised.
Penpushing further reports that Adeleye stressed on need to confront the menace and recognized its signs, unearth its roots, and dismantle its enablers wherever they may hide, whether in the hallways of our schools, the corners of our playgrounds, or the depths of cyberspace, bullying must end, and it must end with us.
The Commissioner added that under the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, the government is waging an unrelenting, multi-sectoral war against bullying through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
Penpushing also reports that she explained that this is with a firm resolve rooted in advocacy, policy reforms, and proactive engagement, adding that the state government safeguarding every child’s right to live, learn, and laugh without fear.
The Commissioner disclosed that in relentless quest to empower the voice of every child in Ogun State, the government has institutionalized the State Children’s Parliament, a visionary platform where our young minds are trained to articulate, advocate, and lead with purpose.
‘Only recently, this very hall bore witness to their deliberations, proof that we are not just giving children a seat at the table, but entrusting them with the microphone of change. We are raising not silent bystanders, but informed advocates, brave hearts who will shape a more just and inclusive society’, Adeleye said.
‘To our beloved children here today: never let fear steal your voice or shrink your brilliance. If you are bullied or see someone who is, do not stay silent. Stand up. Speak up. Seek help. You are not alone’, she added
‘Let it ring from every classroom and corridor: this administration will not tolerate bullying in any form, under any guise. We are sounding a clarion call to every school, educational institution, and child centered body across Ogun State it will no longer be business as usual’.
‘We stand firm, shoulder to shoulder with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and all stakeholders to drive this campaign home. Those who engage in bullying, or are tempted to, must channel that energy into building themselves and society’.
‘We are resolved. We are vigilant. And under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, CON, we are building a generation that does not whisper in the shadows of fear, but roars with the courage of compassion’, Adeleye stated.
Penpushing report that the Deputy Governor Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele in her remarks commended the Ministry for organizing the event, and equally frowned at bullying and importance need to address it.
The number two citizen of the state declared that bullying is not issue that should be set aside or ignored explaining that bullying is any repeated action causing pain, fear, or humiliation, adding that cultural and gender-based assumptions can perpetuate bullying.
Penpushing further reports that she encouraged children to always speak up when experiencing bullying, assuring that the government is all out to support them and won’t allow them to suffer in silence
The Deputy Governor encouraged them to participate in school clubs, societies, and sports to build confidence, character, and teamwork skills, just as she called on parents, faith leaders, and community members to work together in eradicating bullying.
Penpushing also reports that Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology Abayomi Arigbabu in his own contributions gave his speech on called on the children to always be of good behaviour and conduct to make their families happy
Meanwhile, the highlights of the events was presentation of gift to students comprising of primary schools as well as Junior Secondary Schools and this followed competitions among them
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