In commemoration of the 2025 International Day for Street Children, themed “Participation,” the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in collaboration with Global Support for Kids Initiative (GSKi Nigeria), held A day stakeholders meeting on April 15th, 2025, at the NSCDC State Headquarters, Ado–Ikere Road, Ado-Ekiti. The event, which focused on child rights protection and the prosecution of violators under Nigerian laws and international conventions, brought together over 80 participants.
The event had the presence of the Commandant of NSCDC Commandant Toma Mathew Enya, The commissioner of police ably represented by ACP Shittu .S. Bolanle, Representative of the comptroller Nigeria Immigration Service ably represented by CSI A.M. Daramola, Special assistant on Gender Matters to the first lady Barr. Atane .E. Shirley, Representative from the National human rights commission Mrs Adeshina Ayomide, Representative from the Ministry of education Mrs. Omokehinde Grace Adenike, Representative from the Ministry of Justice DPP Taiwo Ajikunle Ariyo, Mrs. Ayobami Racheal Olowoyo from International Federation of women lawyers (FIDA), Representative from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Ekiti state, Mrs. Busola Adeniyi, representative from children parliament RT. Hon. Adeleye Teminise Adeiyun, GSKi board of trustees, street connected children, community actors, school principal, vice principals and other non- governmental agencies.
In GSKi President/Executive Director Mr. Opeyemi Olajide Olowookere’s, welcome speech he said the organization’s commitment to protecting children from abuse and neglect is uppermost in his heart. He highlighted the harsh realities facing street-connected children, including poverty, exploitation, and social exclusion.
Commandant Toma Mathew Enya echoed this call to action, urging citizens to report cases of abuse and pledged that the NSCDC will continue to defend the rights of the vulnerable. Representatives from several key agencies and ministries followed with goodwill messages.
The first keynote speaker, Barrister Rita Ilevbare, representing the Hon. Commissioner of Women Affairs, gave an impactful presentation on the history of child protection in Nigeria, root causes of abuse, and emphasized the responsibility of all to reject the culture of silence. Quoting Abraham Lincoln, she reminded attendees of the crucial role today’s children will play in shaping tomorrow’s society.
The second speaker, Mr. Akin Soleye, emphasized that street-connected children should not be criminalized. He urged parents, communities, and government to recognize the structural issues driving children to the streets and treat them with dignity.
In a heartwarming moment, Commandant Enya personally greeted the street-connected children in attendance and offered them an open invitation to his office anytime, proposing the creation of an industrial corps initiative to nurture talents among vulnerable youth.
The third session led by Barr. Khadeejat Kolawole Adeniyi, AICMC, who addressed legal mechanisms for child rights protection under Nigerian and international law.
The event concluded with the recitation of the GSKi and Ekiti State anthems, followed by a vote of thanks from DSC Dupe Adeyemi (NSCDC Gender Unit) and GSKi’s Country Director. A representative from the Children’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Adeleye Teminise Adeiyun, also commended the initiative and expressed gratitude on behalf of children across the state.
Gski Admin
A dedicated member of the team working to improve the lives of vulnerable children through education, advocacy, and empowerment.
More posts by Gski Admin →
Leave a Reply