The Child Protection Network (CPN) in Lagos and Ogun states has received a N50 million service provision grant to support initiatives aimed at improving child protection for vulnerable children in both states. The grant, which allocates N25 million to each state, was presented at the SOS Children’s Village in Lagos.
In a statement, Eghosa Erhumwunse, the Country Director of SOS Children’s Villages, praised CPN for its crucial role in child protection and commended their ongoing efforts to assist children across Nigeria. The grant is expected to benefit approximately 130,000 children—70,000 in Ogun State and 60,000 in Lagos State.
During the presentation, Erhumwunse outlined SOS’s expectations from CPN, stressing the importance of grassroots-level interventions to address a range of child protection issues. He highlighted key areas of focus, including gender-based violence, case management, community child protection committees, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), and advocacy for family courts handling child protection cases.
“We encourage you to engage with communities, advocate for these children, and work to change harmful cultural practices,” he said. “Awareness and sensitization campaigns are essential to ensure the safety and protection of children’s rights.”
Erhumwunse also emphasized SOS’s zero-tolerance policy on fraud, urging CPN to strengthen its internal systems to ensure transparency and accountability. He reminded the team that all staff must follow strict protocols that prioritize the well-being of children, with regular monitoring and evaluation of the partnership’s progress throughout the one-year term.
In his welcome address, Adelopo Ayodeji, Chief Programme Officer of SOS Lagos, thanked CPN for their unwavering dedication to child protection in their communities. He expressed optimism that the grant would foster a results-driven and impactful collaboration.
Responding on behalf of CPN, Aderonke Oyelakin, Coordinator of CPN Lagos, expressed her gratitude to SOS for the ongoing support and excitement about the new partnership. She assured that CPN would fully utilize the opportunity to safeguard every child in Lagos. Similarly, Adedamola Lapite, Coordinator of CPN Ogun, pledged to honor the trust placed in them and ensure the success of the partnership.
