15/10/2025
ADVANCING CHILD PROTECTION THROUGH LOCAL COLLABORATION
On 15th October 2025, Uromi JDPCI convened its biannual coordination meeting with the Local Government Child Protection Committees in Esan Central and Esan West LGAs. The meeting aimed to enhance consultation, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among key protection actors to strengthen the community-level response to child trafficking for sexual exploitation.
In attendance were HODs Social Welfare, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), community representatives, and field officers.
Delivering his goodwill message, the Executive Director, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Fidelis Arhedo, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders. He urged all agencies to work collectively to combat the menace of child trafficking and safeguard the future of children across communities.
Feedback showed remarkable community engagement, with sensitization activities held in churches, markets, and communities. Notable actions included the re-enrolment of 15 out-of-school children in Opoji, interventions in cases of child labor and neglect, and the enrollment of out-of-school child in skill acquisition programs in Ogwa. The Nigeria Police reported a case involving a woman engaged in child selling, now under investigation, while the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) continued sensitizing hotel operators to prevent the presence and exploitation of minors in Esan West.
Through these coordinated actions, stakeholders demonstrated renewed energy and shared accountability in building safer and more resilient communities for children.
Uromi JDPCI remains committed to strengthening partnerships and sustaining collective action to ensure that every child in Edo Central is protected from trafficking and exploitation.