Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has advised children across the state to stand firmly against all forms of bullying and report such incidents to their parents, teachers, or trusted adults, emphasizing the need for a safer and more supportive society.
The governor gave the charge during the 2025 Children’s Day celebration held at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, with the theme: “Stand up, Speak up, Building a Bully-Free Generation.” The event was organized by the Office of the First Lady in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
Governor Abiodun, who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, noted that the annual celebration serves as a reminder of the values that children bring to their families, communities, and the nation at large.
“Bullying is a serious matter that deserves open and honest conversations. It is any repeated action—through words, behavior, or otherwise—that causes physical, mental, or emotional pain. We must address it collectively,” he stated.
The governor urged children to reflect deeply on the dangers of bullying and carry the anti-bullying message beyond the event.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to holistic child development, Abiodun highlighted ongoing efforts to reform the educational system and protect children’s well-being across schools in the state.
“Our education system is designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit of every Ogun child. Mechanisms have already been put in place to detect and prevent bullying in our schools,” he said.
He added that the Ministries of Education and Women Affairs had been mandated to intensify advocacy, update school policies, enforce relevant laws, and launch public sensitization campaigns aimed at eliminating bullying.
“Bullying should never be tolerated, but we must also tackle the underlying issues. This requires collective action from government, communities, and families,” Abiodun stressed.
Calling for a joint effort, the governor urged parents, faith leaders, teachers, traditional institutions, and youth mentors to unite in raising emotionally balanced and resilient children who feel safe, protected, and valued.
Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, also addressed the children, encouraging them to be outstanding representatives of their homes, communities, and the state.
“Be good ambassadors of your families, your communities, and our dear Ogun State. May God continue to uphold and guide you in your academic pursuits,” Elemide prayed.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, congratulated the children and urged them to always reflect on the theme of the year.
“Never support bullying. Be role models in your schools and neighborhoods. Bullying is not just condemned by the state, it is also outlawed by federal policies,” he said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Motunrayo Adeleye, celebrated the children and reiterated the government’s commitment to building confident, intelligent, and creative young people.
“We are building children who will become global models—resilient, fearless, and focused. Bullying must never be allowed to strip them of their dreams,” she said.
She concluded that through policy reforms, stakeholder support, and consistent engagement, bullying could be eradicated, ensuring that no child is left vulnerable or voiceless.
“We must channel our children’s energy away from destruction and into development,” she added.
