Ogun Govt Moves To Reduce Cases Of Sexual Harassment of Girl-Child In Schools, Partners UNFPA on Establishment of Mentorship Clubs , Training of Private School Teachers

Ogun State Government in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA),  has organised a capacity building programme for private school teachers and case managers on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and the establishment of Girls’ Mentorship Clubs in private schools, as part of efforts to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of children, especially the girl child

The Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Olufunso Obienu, disclosed this during a two-day stakeholders’ engagement and training programme for teachers, counsellors, school administrators and case managers at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Represented by the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mrs. Kehinde Idowu, she explained that the training was designed to strengthen the knowledge and response capacity of participants, while improving guidance and support systems within schools and communities across the State.

She explained that the clubs would serve as safe spaces where girls could receive mentorship, build self-esteem, develop leadership skills and pursue academic excellence through peer support and structured learning activities.

The Permanent Secretary added that sustained mentorship and early guidance remained effective tools for preventing abuse, reducing vulnerability and promoting positive social outcomes among adolescent girls.

In her goodwill message, the representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr. Esther Somefun, noted that teachers and school guidance counsellors had all along been playing unique roles in shaping not only students’ minds, but also their values and life skills, saying CSE transcended beyond classroom lessons as it fostered respect, promotion of inclusivity and encouragement of responsible decision-making that would ensure that children have the information needed to thrive.

In her lecture, the facilitator of the training, Mrs. Abosede Oderinde, emphasised the need to equip teachers, social workers and case managers with the knowledge, confidence and tools required to deliver accurate and culturally sensitive education to students, noting that investing in proper sexuality education would help raise a healthier, safer and more empowered generation capable of making informed and responsible decisions.

Appreciating the State Government and UNFPA, participants at the training, Mrs. Hannah Akinola and Mr. Samuel Bakare, said the initiative would provide safe spaces for girls to confide in mentors, seek guidance and receive support, thereby strengthening efforts aimed at improving the wellbeing, confidence and future prospects of young girls beyond existing interventions