The Child Protection Network (CPN), Oyo State chapter, in collaboration with child rights advocates, has called on parents, policymakers, teachers, traditional leaders, donors, and civil society actors to renew their commitment to the wellbeing and education of every African child, regardless of background or circumstance.
This call was made by the State Coordinator of CPN, Dr. Rosemary Odigbo, in a statement commemorating the 2025 Day of the African Child, themed: “Education for All Children in Africa: The Time is Now.”
Dr. Odigbo emphasized the need for collective action to ensure that no child is left behind in accessing quality education and care.
“On behalf of all of us at CPN Oyo State, we call on every parent, policymakers, teachers, traditional leaders, donors, and advocates to join us in ensuring that no child is left behind—no matter their background or circumstance,” she said.
She described this year’s theme as a powerful reminder that education is not a privilege but a fundamental right being denied to millions of African children.
“Today, across Africa, we pause to reflect, remember, and reawaken our commitment to the rights and wellbeing of the African child. We gather under the umbrella of the Child Protection Network, Oyo State, to commemorate the 2025 Day of the African Child.
“This year’s theme is a wake-up call to governments, communities, and individuals committed to justice, inclusion, and progress. Too many children are still out of school, and the time to act is now.”
Dr. Odigbo highlighted the harsh realities many vulnerable children face across Oyo State: street hawking, child marriage, child labour, lack of access to education due to poverty or disability, and exposure to violence or neglect.
“These are not just statistics—they are names, faces, and futures at risk,” she stated. “This is why CPN Oyo continues to work closely with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, the Ministry of Education, local CSOs, faith-based institutions, and partners like SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, UNICEF, and BoxAid to develop and implement community-driven solutions.”
She outlined several initiatives the network is involved in, including the expansion of School-Based Child Protection Clubs, strengthening of child abuse reporting and referral systems, teacher training on safeguarding, and ongoing community sensitization campaigns.
However, she noted that much more needs to be done.
“We must eliminate barriers to education. This includes ensuring safe school environments free from abuse and violence, increasing support for children with special needs and those in hard-to-reach areas, holding perpetrators of child neglect and exploitation accountable, turning policies into action, and boosting public investment in both education and child protection.”
Dr. Odigbo also paid tribute to the children of Soweto whose courage in the face of apartheid injustice inspired the Day of the African Child.
“Let us honor their legacy not just with words but with action. Let us stand in the gap for today’s African children and say, ‘You deserve better.’
“From classrooms to boardrooms, from homes to places of worship, we must all declare that the time to act is now—not tomorrow, not next year, but now.”
She expressed gratitude to CPN’s partners, particularly SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, the Government of Oyo State, Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), BOXAID Global, UNICEF and the network’s dedicated volunteers for their unwavering support.
“To every child, we see you, we hear you, and we will continue to fight for your right to education, protection, and a life filled with hope,” she concluded.
