The Child Protection Network (CPN) chapters in Lagos and Ogun states have received a N50 million grant to enhance child protection services for vulnerable children across both states. The grant, awarded at the SOS Children’s Village in Lagos, allocates N25 million to each state to support child-focused initiatives aimed at safeguarding the welfare of at-risk children. The funds are expected to benefit approximately 130,000 children, with 70,000 in Ogun State and 60,000 in Lagos State.
Eghosa Erhumwunse, Country Director of SOS Children’s Villages, praised CPN for its vital role in child protection and its dedication to assisting children throughout Nigeria. “CPN serves as a critical guardian for child protection across the nation, and we are pleased to support their efforts with this grant,” Erhumwunse stated.
At the ceremony, Erhumwunse outlined SOS Children’s Villages’ expectations, calling on CPN to focus on essential service areas, including gender-based violence prevention, case management, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and advocacy for family courts specialized in child protection. He emphasized the need for CPN to engage communities actively and raise awareness about harmful practices that jeopardize child welfare. “Awareness and sensitization campaigns are crucial for the safety and protection of children’s lives,” he said.
Erhumwunse further stressed SOS’s commitment to accountability, urging CPN to maintain rigorous internal controls and a zero-tolerance policy on fraud, ensuring transparency and effective monitoring throughout the one-year partnership.
Adelopo Ayodeji, Chief Programme Officer of SOS Lagos, commended CPN’s commitment to their mission and saw the grant as a catalyst for impactful collaboration. Aderonke Oyelakin, Coordinator of CPN Lagos, expressed gratitude for SOS’s continued support, committing to fully utilize the grant to protect children in Lagos. Adedamola Lapite, Coordinator of CPN Ogun, echoed this commitment, pledging to uphold the trust invested in their work to ensure the safety and well-being of children in their community.
