The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, visited Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired in Surulere on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, as the campaign commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence came to an end.
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She spoke to the students and underlined the significance of protecting children from all types of abuse. Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasised the inclusive governance ideology of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, which places a high priority on protecting vulnerable children, including those with disabilities, during her conversation with the happy students.
She praised Wesley School’s faculty and administration for their commitment to provide hearing-impaired students a top-notch education and urged them to continue being on the lookout for and responding to any indications of student maltreatment. As possible signs of abuse or distress, the First Lady emphasised the significance of paying attention to children’s sexual behaviours and reactions.
“With kids, especially those with special needs, parents and educators need to cultivate acute observational skills and open lines of communication.” In order to avoid long-term psychological and physical harm, early detection and intervention are essential, she stated. Additionally, Dr. Sanwo-Olu advised parents and guardians to teach their kids about personal boundaries and bodily safety in ways that suit their comprehension and learning styles.
She reminded the students of the state’s dedication to their safety and wellbeing and restated that the Lagos State Government has zero tolerance for abuse in any form. During his speech, Hon. Bamidele Sulaiman, the Chairman of Surulere Local Government, reiterated his commitment to bolstering programs and policies that safeguard women, children, and vulnerable populations both within and beyond the council.
He reaffirmed the council’s dedication to raising awareness of gender-based violence and promoting an inclusive society free from prejudice and abuse. Engaging activities during the visit included an advocacy presentation entitled “Understanding Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: A School-Based Sensitisation Program,” which was led by Pamela Stephen from the Centre for Women’s Health and Information.
The facilitator, who spoke on “Strategies to Prevent Sexual and Gender-Based Violence – Practical Help and Support,” stressed the value of giving kids a list of reliable contacts, such friends, relatives, or neighbours. Additionally, she suggested teaching kids a safe word or gesture to indicate emergencies or the need for assistance.
Mrs. Elizabeth Popoola, the principal of Wesley School 1, emphasised the school’s dedication to offering top-notch, free, high-quality instruction and career training to students in the nursery, elementary, and secondary school grades. According to her, any deaf child who is older than three years old can register and be admitted to the school.
Mrs. Popoola also urged anyone who are philanthropic and have a strong desire to help others to support the school. The students and dignitaries signed a special pledge board at the end of the visit, signifying their shared commitment to keep pushing for an end to gender-based and sexual violence.
Directors in charge of special education, the board secretary of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, the education secretary of Surulere, the wife of the council chairman, and the vice chairman of the council were among the dignitaries that welcomed the First Lady.
