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AIYEDATIWA RALLIES STAKEHOLDERS TOWARDS ERADICATING BULLYING IN SCHOOLS
…As Ondo holds strategic workshop ahead 2025 National Children’s Day Celebrations
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has called on stakeholders in the education sector to take a stand and speak out against the growing menace of bullying, which has become a serious concern in both public and private schools.
The governor made this appeal during a one-day strategic workshop organized in commemoration of the 2025 International Children’s Day in Ondo State.
The event brought together a diverse group of education stakeholders, including teachers, school administrators, educationists, and policymakers.
Held under the theme “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” the workshop aimed to raise awareness and promote solutions to curb bullying in schools.
Delivering the governor’s address, the Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Victor Olabimtan, described the theme as timely and significant, noting the rising negative impact of bullying on children and young adults.
He stressed the importance of intensified awareness campaigns and the creation of safe, inclusive learning environments where children can grow without fear of intimidation or harassment.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also called for stronger collaboration between stakeholders and the state government to completely eradicate bullying in all its forms.
“The purpose of this workshop is to raise awareness about the issue of bullying and to foster a bully-free environment for our children,” he said.
“For children to succeed, they must feel safe—physically, emotionally, and socially. Bullying can lead to physical injuries, depression, anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, and in extreme cases, suicide”.
“Worldwide, millions of children miss school every day due to the fear of being bullied. Empirical evidence shows that bullying often plays a role in many child suicides globally.”
Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Seun Osamaye, highlighted the vital role parents play in monitoring their children’s behavior and emotional health.
She noted that the workshop was organized specifically to mark Children’s Day and to spark meaningful dialogue among education stakeholders.
“This gathering is meant for stakeholders to examine the issue of bullying in any form,” she said.
“The attendees were carefully selected from across the education sector.”
Other speakers at the workshop who include the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo represented by Olubade Adefusi-Owate, Chairman of All Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools, Kemi Jogbodo, Area Commander of Akure South, Kabiru Akinroye, Barr. Adenike Ademujimi, Director of Planning and Statistics in the Women Affairs Ministry, Sola Oladeji echoed these concerns, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
They agreed that if the insights and recommendations from the workshop are properly implemented, they could significantly reduce the prevalence of bullying in schools across the state.
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