Female secondary school students in Lagos State have been empowered with practical knowledge and life-saving skills to protect themselves against sexual abuse and child trafficking, following a one-day seminar organised by education authorities.
The sensitisation programme, themed “Your Safety, Your Voice: Building a School Community Free from Abuse,” drew participants from schools across three education zones. It focused on personal safety, healthy boundaries, recognising danger signs, and effective reporting channels.
In her opening address, the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Mojisola Christiana Yusuff, urged the students to become ambassadors of change in their respective schools by sharing the lessons learned with their peers. She said the impact of the seminar would be multiplied when students carry the message of safety and awareness back to their communities.
The Executive Secretary of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, encouraged the students to speak up against inappropriate behaviour, warning that silence often emboldens offenders.
“Do not allow anybody to destroy your dreams. Go out there and find your voice,” she told the participants.
Speaking on human trafficking, Mrs. Elizabeth Ajeseni of the Lagos Office of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) outlined the dangers, including loss of freedom, exploitation, abuse and health risks. She cautioned students against traffickers who disguise themselves with fake job, travel or scholarship offers and urged them to report suspicious activities promptly.
“Your life is precious and your freedom is non-negotiable,” she said.
Social impact advocate Dr. Joy Kounasso stressed the importance of setting personal boundaries, explaining safety in physical, emotional and environmental terms. She advised students to trust their instincts and speak out whenever a situation feels unsafe.
Also speaking, social work professional Dr. Oluwatoyin Kotun identified warning signs of danger, such as sudden mood changes, isolation from friends, declining academic performance and frequent conflicts. He noted that clear boundaries promote self-respect, safety and responsible decision-making.
The seminar underscores the commitment of Lagos education authorities and partner agencies to building safer school environments where every student is protected, empowered and confident to speak out against abuse.
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