The Child Protection Network Nigeria (CPNN), Oyo State Chapter has successfully hosted its 2026 Get-Together and Award Ceremony, bringing together key stakeholders, partners, pioneers, veterans, past and present executive officers, and members of the network to celebrate outstanding contributions of child protection trailblazers in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
The event served as a platform for reunion, appreciation, reflection, and renewed commitment to safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of children across communities in Oyo State.
In her welcome address, the State Coordinator, Dr. Rosemary Odigbo, warmly welcomed the National Coordinator, past State Coordinators, partners, pioneers, veterans, invited State Coordinators of sister networks, all units and committees, Zonal Grassroots Leaders, past and present executive officers, and all members of the Child Protection Network.
She specially appreciated UNICEF, the brain behind the establishment of the Child Protection Network, for its vision, technical support, and continuous commitment to strengthening child protection systems in Nigeria. She also commended SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria for their recent partnership and collaboration with CPN Oyo State, describing the partnership as timely and impactful.
Dr. Odigbo further acknowledged the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion for its consistent collaboration and support in making CPN functional and effective in the state. She extended sincere appreciation to all state and non-state actors, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), security agencies, civil society organisations, community-based organisations, faith-based organisations, development partners, traditional institutions, and the media for their continued partnership and collaboration with CPN Oyo State in promoting child protection.
The ceremony also recognized pioneering members and trailblazers including Mrs. Ogunkunle, Rev. Timothy Ojo, Alhaji Iskil G. Yussuf, and others who laid the foundation of CPN in Oyo State, as well as all past and present executive officers of the network whose leadership, sacrifices, and administrative support have sustained the network over the years.
“Many more people deserve to be honoured today, but we have to start from somewhere. This award ceremony is the beginning, not the end. Your work is seen, your sacrifices are valued, and your time will surely come,” Dr. Odigbo stated.
Highlight of the programme was Award Categories and Recipients
National Coordinator Award.
Mr. Sanni Olakunle – Distinguished Service and Leadership Award
For outstanding national leadership and strengthening child protection systems in Nigeria.
He also gave a memory lane of CPN in Nigeria.
Past State Coordinators Awards:
Barrister Ademola Yakub Fadare, Esq. – Award of Honour (Pioneer State Coordinator)
For laying the foundation of CPN Oyo State and exemplary leadership. He also gave a handful lane of CPN in Oyo State).
Dr. Ebunlomo Mary Walker – Award of Honour
For dedicated service and impactful leadership as State Coordinator.
Pastor (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Ogedengbe – Award of Honour (Exemplary Leadership)
For commitment and remarkable contributions to the growth of CPN Oyo State.
Veterans Awards
Dr. David Tola Winjobi – Veteran CSO Recognition Award
Alhaji Iskil G. Yussuf – Award of Honour
For consistent support and advocacy for child protection.
Princess Adetona – Veteran CSO Service Award
For unwavering dedication and service to child protection causes.
Case Management Awards
Mr. Olurotimi – Lifetime Dedication Award
For tireless case handling and response to child protection cases.
Omobolanle Alaba – Dedicated Service Award
For dedication and excellence in child protection case response.
Idowu Aderiike Oyekola – Dedicated Service Award
For commitment and consistency in child protection intervention.
Surprise Recognition for the State Coordinator.
In a moment that drew warm applause and emotion from the audience, Dr. Rosemary Odigbo, the State Coordinator, was also honoured with a Surprise Award of Dedicated Service for her outstanding commitment to responding to and managing child protection cases across Oyo State.
The award recognized her hands-on leadership, tireless case response, coordination of multi-sectoral interventions, and unwavering dedication to ensuring that vulnerable children receive timely protection, justice, and care.
The presence of State Coordinators of different networks and sister organisations was also acknowledged as a strategic effort to strengthen collaboration, unity, and synergy for greater impact in child protection service delivery.
The event ended with a renewed call for collective action, stronger partnerships, and sustained commitment to ensuring that every child in Oyo State is safe, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive.
