The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) today concluded a two-day Advocacy and Sensitization Programme on Promoting Personal Hygiene and Curbing Sexual Abuse Among Girl Children in Public Primary Schools across Lagos State.
The programme, which held on Tuesday 11th and Thursday 13th November, 2025, at Christ Church Cathedral Primary School Hall, Lagos Island, and the LASUBEB Multi-Purpose Hall, Maryland, brought together pupils, teachers and education stakeholders for an impactful discourse on girl child safety, personal hygiene, and self-development.
The two-day programme also featured interactive discussions, Career Talks, Question-and-Answer sessions designed to equip pupils with knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their health and safety.
In her welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Basic Education Mrs. Yewande Cole-Jeje stated that the advocacy was designed to share vital knowledge on personal hygiene, self-development, and the fight against sexual abuse. She encouraged the the girls not to keep silent but to rise above societal limitations, and aspire to become leaders in their chosen fields.
In her words, “As girls, you shouldn’t limit yourselves, be courageous to take space in professional and leadership positions. You have the power to influence change and contribute meaningfully to society.”
The Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, in his remarks reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to protecting the girl child and promoting a safe and supportive learning environment in all public primary schools.
Dr. Shittu charged the pupils to value and protect themselves from any form of harm or abuse, saying, “Your body is a treasure; you must value it and always protect it from any form of abuse and discomfort. Don’t allow anyone to take advantage of you, when you notice indecent gestures or movements, speak up.”
He added that the sensitization aligns with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda, particularly the Education and Technology pillar, which emphasizes the wellbeing, safety, and empowerment of every child in Lagos State.
In his goodwill message, the Board Secretary, Mr. Hakeem Lamidi, commended the initiative as a proactive and strategic step in strengthening child protection at the foundational level of education. He urged teachers, parents, and caregivers to reinforce these lessons at home and in schools to ensure long-term impact.
One of the facilitators, Dr. Oluwaoni Adeyemi, Senior Special Assistant to Mr Governor on Health took the girls through an engaging session on Personal Hygiene, where she urged them to cultivate daily hygiene practices such as brushing their teeth properly, bathing regularly, and maintaining cleanliness during their menstrual cycle.
She noted that maintaining good hygiene not only promotes physical health but also helps towards taking proactive and strategic step in strengthening child protection at the foundational level of education. He urged teachers, parents, and caregivers to reinforce these lessons at home and in schools to ensure long-term impact.
Also speaking, Dr. (Mrs.) Grace Abolarin, who handled the Advocacy Against Sexual Abuse, advised the pupils to always speak up and never remain silent whenever they experience or notice any form of abuse. She emphasized that silence empowers abusers and every child has the right to protection and justice.
Dr. Abolarin further provided a dedicated helpline for pupils to call in case of any abuse, stressing that “speaking up is the first step to healing and protection.”
Faridah Musa a pupil of Ansar ur deen public primary school described the sessions as enlightening and empowering, noting that the advocacy had given them the courage to speak up and maintain healthy habits.#AGreaterLagosRising
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