Dr. Rosemary Odigbo, Oyo State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network (CPN), has called on stakeholders to treat children’s mental well-being as a shared community responsibility.
Odigbo made the call on Tuesday in Ibadan during a Capacity Building Training for Lay Counsellors on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and case management for children.
The training was organised by CPN Oyo State, in collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria.
Emphasising that child protection is a collective duty, Odigbo said parents, teachers, community leaders, and other stakeholders all have vital roles to play in safeguarding and nurturing every child.
“We must remove the stigma around seeking help for emotional or psychological issues. Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially for children,” she said.
“When government agencies, schools, and caregivers work hand in hand, we create a strong safety net that protects children, supports families, and helps communities thrive.”
Odigbo noted that the programme marks the conclusion of this year’s projects under the Family Strengthening Partnership between CPN and SOS Children’s Villages.
According to her, the partnership has taken the organisations to several communities and schools across Oyo State, where they have worked to fortify families, promote child protection, and enhance children’s psychosocial well-being.
She observed that many children silently endure emotional and psychological challenges caused by family instability, abuse, neglect, poverty, and loss.
“Our experiences this year revealed a growing need for psychosocial support at the grassroots,” Odigbo said.
“While physical needs often receive attention, the mental and emotional health of children is frequently overlooked. This training aims to build the capacity of lay counsellors, teachers, social workers, and community leaders to identify early signs of distress, provide basic counselling, and ensure proper case management and referrals.”
She further explained that the training was designed to strengthen community-based response systems and ensure that no child in Oyo State faces mental or emotional distress without help or guidance.
Odigbo urged participants to “listen with empathy, act with sensitivity, and protect with consistency.”
“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 professional way,” she added.
“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.”
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, described the capacity-building training as a crucial step in equipping stakeholders to better support vulnerable children and promote their well-being.
“We recognise the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting children’s rights and protection,” Balogun said, represented by Mrs. Christina Adediran, a director in the ministry.
“The ministry acknowledges the tireless efforts of organisations and individuals working to support children in need. We’re confident that the skills and knowledge shared here will enhance our collective response to children’s mental health and psychosocial needs.”
Dr. Oyeyemi Afolabi, Consultant Psychiatrist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, highlighted the vital roles of families, schools, and faith-based institutions in providing psychosocial support. He emphasised the need to reduce stigma through dialogue and to align MHPSS strategies with cultural and religious values.
Mr. Gabriel Adajie, Programme Manager, SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening families and community systems that prioritise child protection and well-being.
Adajie commended the partnership with the CPN, describing it as “a model collaboration for sustainable child welfare interventions.”
