The Alert Campaign Kicks off in Lagos.

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"Protection", "safeguarding" and "family strengthening" were the core themes at The Alert Campaign Press Conference held on March 6th, 2021, in Lagos, Nigeria, as the partnership of True Leadership for Growth Development and Peace Initiative (TL4GDPi) and Truss Empowerment Foundation, with support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints kick-started a joint program on child and family advocacy.

The Alert Campaign was launched on October 10^th, 2020 on the stables of TRUSS and TL4GDPi, with a focus on helping families see their roles in protecting children. These two organizations, aligned in their objectives to strengthen families and consequently protect children are committed to making the Alert campaign, also known as the AlertFamilies, a strong platform where children’s voices can be heard by those who can make progressive changes. This is as stated by Olaoluwa Akinsola, Program Officer for TRUSS, in his introductory address.

Azuka Chukwuelue, a co-host and a trustee of TRUSS who was ably represented by Mrs. Abiola Akporugo, in her welcome address, explained; “The Alert Campaign has the vision to support the United Nation’ SDG 16 with special focus on target 2. Goal 16 is to Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. Target 16.2 is to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

The audience was excited as they watched the overview of the Alert Campaign which was presented by Ojo Rufus Olajide, a trustee of TL4GDPi and the founder of the Alertfamilies. Tolani Adesanya a leading journalist with African Independent Television (AIT) said this after the viewing; “It is obvious that a lot of conceptualization and hard work has been put into the alert campaign. The concept is unique and not common in Nigeria. It will have a positive impact if well implemented”.

Adesina Olukanni, a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints focused his keynote address on the threats to the child and family; and the associated societal impacts. “The solution to all the problems is not for one person. It does not lie with the government (alone). It lies with the family, the child, religion, Non-Governmental Organisations, and communities to create experiences in the families on how to work together for the safety of the child through programs, advocacy, skills acquisition, and enlightenment recognizing identified problems and creating solutions and executing them”.

The Alert Campaign Press Conference also served as a platform to recognize the UNICEF-supported Integrated Child Protection System in Lagos State. Award of Excellence was presented to UNICEF initiated Child Protection Network(CPN), Lagos Chapter. This award was received by its new coordinator Aderonke Oyelakin. The outgoing CPN coordinator also received an Award of Excellence for coordinating the affairs of the CPN Lagos chapter for 10 years since its inception. Both Child protection advocates emphasized that Child Protection and safeguarding issues can only be solved collectively.

Dennis Onoise, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Lagos office, also used the opportunity to present awards virtually to the UNICEF sponsored Frown Challenge winner Ola Oluwatosin and the Alert Campaign Ambassador Olivia Muoka Kamsi. While addressing the press, Dennis reiterated that; “Children face a lot of challenges today. It is worse for children whose parents work. People who abuse children are known to the children. 6 out of every 10 children in Nigeria have experienced one form of violence or the other. Child abuse cases are high in Lagos and we (UNICEF) are working on this”.

The Alert Campaign beneficiary, Elizabeth Sebioba, a 13-year-old SS 1 student of Baptist Girls’ Academy, Lagos, appreciates being part of the program. She solicited the inclusion of more children.

Ikpe Ikanang, the Lagos Regional Communications Director of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints explained why the church identified with the campaign. "The church has objectives and part of the objectives aligns with what the Alert Campaign is all about. For us to be able to have progress, peace, and unity, we have to focus our attention on the family".

The press conference was brought to an end through the vote of thanks given by the chairman of the occasion, Victor Ekpe, who is also a trustee of TL4GDPi. "We all need to think about what we can do to help the young ones become better in our communities and families".

The Alert Campaign Field Work hopes to begin in April 2021.

The Alert Campaign Kicks off in Lagos.

Church, UNICEF feature in child protection and family strengthening project.

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