The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is strengthening child protection mechanisms in FCT communities to create a safe, child-friendly environment.
Mr Idris Attah, Director of the Child Development Department at the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, said this on Friday in Abaji during a training session on Community-Based Child Protection Structures (CBCPS).
Attah said the training focused on community structures in the Abaji and Kuje area councils, following similar sessions in Kwali and the Abuja Municipal Area Council.
He said the initiative aimed to strengthen child protection at the grassroots and reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to creating safe, child-friendly environments across the territory.
Participants were trained on the provisions of the Child Rights Act, forms of child abuse, and strategies for prevention and resolution.
“The FCTA remains dedicated to guaranteeing the safety and welfare of every Nigerian child. It is therefore imperative that our communities are fully conversant with the provisions of the Child Rights Act to effectively safeguard children,” he said.
The Desk Officer of the Child Protection Unit, Mrs Njideka Nwaeme, said 10 participants were selected from each community to form local Child Protection Councils.
She said the councils comprised a traditional ruler, male and female youth leaders, Christian and Muslim religious leaders, an educationist, security personnel, a health worker and an auxiliary social worker.
Nwaeme said the practical, role-play-based workshop covered child rights, identifying forms of abuse—including cyberbullying—caring for children with special needs and resolving community conflicts.
“The workshop is designed to be practical rather than theoretical to ensure a long-lasting impact.
“Participants learn step-by-step responses to child abuse cases, including prioritising immediate medical attention for rape victims before formal police reporting,” she added.
Participants commended the FCTA and UNICEF for the initiative, saying it had enhanced their capacity to address child abuse, child labour and sexual violence in their communities.
Mr Danlami Magaji, a participant from Kayarda community in Kuje Area Council, said the training had taught him effective ways to report and handle child abuse cases.
Mrs Hauwawu Yusuf, a community women’s leader from Kayarda, said the capacity-building initiative would support her voluntary work helping widows and securing school placements for vulnerable children.
Similarly, Ms Awhetu John of Gaube community said the knowledge gained would help her provide appropriate care for survivors of sexual abuse, battery and child labour.
Six communities across five clusters in Abaji and two clusters in Kuje were participating in the current phase of the training.
The training is scheduled to move to the Bwari and Gwagwalada area councils next week.
