Ikeja LG Partners NGO To Fight Sexual Abuse On Children

In line with the Lagos State government’s drive to eradicate all forms of abuse against children, the Ikeja Local Government through the department of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in conjunction with a non-governmental organisation, the Amazing Amazons, has launched a sexual abuse and domestic violence awareness programme for primary schools tagged “Touch Me Not” campaign.

       The campaign, which was launched recently at Agidingbi Primary School, Ikeja is to enlighten and empower children especially girls on the various forms and effects of sexual abuse, domestic violence and rape. The launch of the programme featured the members of the Amazing Amazons drilling the pupils on how to detect sexual abuse and the proper reactions and steps to take.

    The event also witnessed the launch of the ‘Touch me Not Club’ for girls of Agidingbi Primary School. The club which is voluntary will be having weekly activities with the pupils as ambassadors of the campaign. While inaugurating the club, the Sole Administrator of Ikeja Local Government, Engr. Abiodun Taiwo encouraged the pupils to be bold and speak out whenever anyone touches them inappropriately. He admonished them to be focused and strife to be the best. The Sole Administrator pledged to donate a set of branded T-shirts to all the members of the ‘Touch Me Not’ Club.

    In her own remark, the Council Manager and Head of Administration of Ikeja Local Government, Mrs. Mosunmola Otaiku – Okoka encouraged parents especially the mothers to be friendly, open and accessible to their children so as to enhance communication. She noted that a lot of children are being abused in the society but they could not open up to their parents because of lack of trust.

    The Lagos State Coordinator of the Amazing Amazons, Mrs. Ajijola Bolanle who spoke on behalf of the founder, Mercy Makinde noted that sexual abuse is now an epidemic ravaging Nigerian society. She called on everyone to stand up and fight for the children. In her word, “if you are just watching, you are not better than those abusing the children.

    The impact of the ‘Touch Me Not’ training given to the children was instant when a 17-year-old girl who is still in Primary 5 walked up to the Sole Administrator and opened up on her experience. According to the girl, she was originally living with a woman as a house help but had to run away because the woman’s husband and his friends started sleeping with her. The young girl was to end up with another lady that sells alcohol only to be turned into a prostitute.

    The Sole Administrator immediately ordered that the girl’s issue be taken over by the local government starting with finding her a new abode.