Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun State, has urged the youth of the state to stand up against bullying in all its manifestations and to inform adults in their lives—including teachers and parents—when they witness it.
At the 2025 Children’s Day Celebration in Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the governor, through his deputy Noimot Salako-Oyedele, delivered the keynote address.
‘Stand up, speak up, developing a Bully Free generation’ was the topic of the celebration, which was organised by the Office of the First Lady in partnership with the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
Abiodun defined bullying as the intentional and persistent infliction of physical, psychological, or social harm on another person. This can take the form of words, actions, or both.
Noting that measures had been implemented to combat bullying in schools, the state’s head honcho reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to creating an educational system that fosters the holistic development of each student. He emphasised the importance of addressing both the surface-level problems and the root causes of bullying.
“Since the government cannot accomplish the task of eliminating bullying from our schools and communities on its own, this government has entrusted the Ministry of Women Affairs and Education with bolstering all efforts through school policies, advocacy, legal enforcement, and public education.”
Federal and state laws are in place to combat the threat, and in their goodwill greetings, Speaker Oludaisi Elemide of the Ogun State House of Assembly and Commissioner Abayomi Arigbabu of the Department of Education, Science, and Technology urged children to speak up.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, while delivering her welcome message, emphasised that this year’s theme was a call to action, urging all individuals—including parents, lawmakers, educators, peers, and guardians of childhood—to stand up and safeguard the inherent worth and dignity of every child.
Adeleye believed that bullying could be eradicated and that every child could have a voice if policies were changed, people were actively involved, and influential parties rallied behind the cause.
Unforgivingly, it steals happiness, steals hopes, and sneaks wounds into the lives of innocent people who aren’t yet mature enough to handle them.
No more hushed discussions. Defeating it is our duty. It is imperative that we identify its symptoms, trace its origins, and eliminate its enablers from all corners.
“Bullying must cease and it must be eradicated by our generation,” she declared, speaking about bullying in various settings such as school hallways, playgrounds, and internet.
A child’s quiet should elicit worry rather than punishment, the commissioner said, and parents and guardians should strive to make that happen in their homes.
Akindola Saidat of Ebenezer Grammar School in Iberekodo and Ayanlowo Olagbenro of Brightway College in Abeokuta made a solemn pledge on behalf of their fellow students to combat bullying and serve as positive representatives of their school and state in any capacity they may be required.