By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
Dr Rosemary Odigbo, Oyo State Coordinator, Child Protection Network (CPN), has urged stakeholders to treat children’s mental well-being as a shared community responsibility.
Odigbo made the remark on Tuesday in Ibadan at a Capacity Building Training for Lay Counsellors on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and case management for children.
The programme was organised by CPN Oyo State and SOS Children’s Villages, Nigeria.
Odigbo emphasised that child protection is a collective responsibility, with parents, teachers, leaders, and everyone playing vital roles in safeguarding and nurturing every child.
“We must remove the stigma around seeking help for emotional or psychological issues; mental health is important as physical health, especially for children.
“When government agencies, schools, caregivers and all work hand in hand, we create a strong safety net that protects children, support families and helps communities thrive,” she said.
She highlighted that the programme holds special significance as it concludes the year’s projects under the Family Strengthening partnership between CPN and SOS Children’s Villages.
She added that the partnership has taken them to various communities and schools across Oyo state, where they have worked diligently to fortify families, advance child protection, and enhance children’s psychosocial well-being.
According to Odigbo, many children in most communities are silently dealing with emotional and psychological challenges resulting from family instability, abuse, neglect, poverty, and loss.
“Our experiences throughout the year revealed a growing need for psychosocial support at the grassroots.
“While physical needs are often given attention, the mental and emotional health of children is frequently overlooked, yet it is a vital part of their total well-being and development.
“This reality prompted the decision to hold this training to build the capacity of lay counsellors, teachers, social workers, community leaders, and other frontline child protection actors.
“The goal is to empower them to identify early signs of distress, provide basic counselling, and ensure proper case management and referrals for children who need support,” she said.
Odigbo further emphasised that the training aimed to strengthen community-based response systems and ensure that no child in Oyo State faces mental or emotional distress without help, understanding, or guidance.
She enjoined the participants to listen with empathy, act with sensitivity, and protect with consistency.
According to her, children who struggle emotionally don’t just need sympathy; they need safe, trusted adults who can notice, understand, and respond to their pain in a structured and professional way.
“As we close this year’s round of projects, let us renew our commitment to building an Oyo state where every child regardless of background can grow in dignity, live free from fear, and reach their full potential,” Odigbo said.
Mrs Toyin Balogun, Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, said the capacity building training is a crucial step in equipping stakeholders to better support vulnerable children and ensure their well-being.
“We recognise the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting their rights and protection.
“We’re committed to working together to create a safer, more supportive environment for all children, where they can thrive and reach their full potential.
Balogun, represented by one of the directors in the ministry, Mrs Christina Adediran, said the ministry acknowledges the tireless efforts of organisations and individuals working to support children in need.
“We’re pleased to be part of this initiative, and we’re confident that the skills and knowledge shared during this training will enhance our collective response to children’s mental health and psychosocial needs.
“We look forward to fruitful discussions and outcomes from this training, and we’re committed to sustaining the momentum and partnerships established here,” she said.
Dr Oyeyemi Afolabi, Consultant Psychiatrist from University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, highlighted the roles of families, schools and faith-based institutions in psychosocial support.
He stressed the importance of using strategies to reduce stigma through dialogue, harmonising MHPSS with religious and cultural beliefs.
Mr. Gabriel Adajie, Programme Manager, SOS Children’s Villages, Nigeria, reiterated the organisation’s dedication to strengthening families and community systems that prioritize child protection and well-being.
Adajie commended the partnership with the CPN, describing it as a model collaboration for sustainable child welfare interventions. (NAN)
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