LAGOS DSVA PARTNERS WITH FORD FOUNDATION TO CHAMPION CHILD RIGHTS IN CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE BOY CHILD
In commemoration of the International Day of the Boy Child, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), in partnership with the Ford Foundation, visited three secondary schools in Lagos: Estate Junior High School, Ifako-Ijaiye; Keke Senior High School, Ifako, Agege; and Stadium Grammar School, Ifako, Agege.
Guided by the theme “Boys’ Health and Wellbeing,” the sensitization program sought to educate, empower, and amplify the voices of young boys. Students participated actively, chanting “Boys’ health matters” to emphasize the importance of mental health, emotional stability, and personal safety.
A key feature of the session was peer-to-peer learning through Kings’ Club—a leadership and character-building initiative implemented across Lagos State public schools. The Kings’ Club is designed to equip young boys with knowledge and life skills in areas such as Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), Gender Equality, and Leadership. By fostering conversations around respect, empathy, and responsibility, the Kings’ Club creates safe spaces for boys to understand and challenge harmful gender norms.
During the session, Club Presidents led interactive discussions on identifying child abuse and its many forms, recognizing their rights and responsibilities, relating with the opposite sex in healthy ways, and how to seek help or report abuse using the Agency’s toll-free line (08000 333 333).
Copies of “My Passport of Rights for the Prevention of Child Abuse in Lagos State” were distributed to students, equipping them with essential knowledge and practical tools for safety and advocacy.
The session ended with a vibrant Q&A segment that rewarded correct responses, deepening student understanding and encouraging participation.
Through this effort, DSVA continues to build a generation of informed, confident boys who are empowered to speak out and stand against all forms of abuse.
Adejoke Ladenegan Oginni
Head Public Affairs Unit
LAGOS DSVA
16/5/2025
