Ogun Governor Urges Children to Reject Bullying, Speak Up Against Abuse

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called on children across the state to reject all forms of bullying and to promptly report any such incidents to their teachers, guardians, or parents, in a bid to foster a more compassionate and orderly society.

Speaking through his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, at the 2025 Children’s Day Celebration held at the Oba’s Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun emphasized the importance of speaking up and standing firm against abuse.

The event, themed “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bully-Free Generation,” was organized by the Office of the First Lady in collaboration with the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

Governor Abiodun explained that bullying can manifest through repeated actions—verbal, physical, or emotional—that inflict pain, fear, or humiliation on others. He stressed the need to eliminate such behavior in schools and communities, assuring that his administration remains committed to nurturing an educational environment that fosters the growth of every child’s mind, body, and spirit.

“Bullying should never be tolerated, but we must also address the root causes,” Abiodun stated. “We have mandated the Ministries of Women Affairs and Education to intensify efforts through clear school policies, community advocacy, legal frameworks, and public education. Government alone cannot win this battle.”

Also speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, and the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, encouraged students to speak out against bullying, assuring them that both federal and state governments have policies in place to tackle the menace.

In her welcome remarks, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, described the theme of the celebration as a rallying call to protect the dignity of every child. She called on parents, teachers, policymakers, and all stakeholders to actively join in the campaign against bullying.

“Bullying is a thief of joy and a silent destroyer of dreams. It leaves scars on young souls that should never have to bear such burdens,” Adeleye said. “We must stop whispering about it and begin confronting it head-on. From the school hallways to playgrounds and even cyberspace, we must recognize its signs, uproot its causes, and eliminate its enablers.”

She urged parents to create supportive homes where open communication is prioritized, noting that silence from a child should prompt concern, not punishment.

Responding on behalf of students, Akindola Saidat of Ebenezer Grammar School, Iberekodo, and Ayanlowo Olagbenro of Brightway College, Abeokuta, pledged to become advocates for change and support the government’s campaign against bullying. They also vowed to uphold the values of respect and empathy as ambassadors of Ogun State.