By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

As concerns grow over the rising cases of bullying in Nigerian schools, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on stakeholders in the education sector to speak out and take decisive action against the menace.

The governor’s message was delivered during a one-day strategic workshop held in Akure to commemorate the 2025 International Children’s Day.

The workshop, themed “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” brought together teachers, school administrators, educationists, and policymakers from across the state.

Represented by the Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Victor Olabimtan, the governor stressed the urgent need to create safer learning environments free from intimidation and harassment.

“For children to succeed, they must feel safe physically, emotionally, and socially.Bullying can lead to devastating consequences including depression, anxiety, and in extreme cases, suicide.”

He noted that millions of children worldwide skip school daily out of fear of being bullied and emphasised the importance of awareness campaigns and proactive measures to eliminate the problem.

Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Osamaye, underscored the critical role parents play in monitoring their children’s behaviour and emotional well-being.

She described the workshop as a platform for meaningful dialogue aimed at curbing bullying across all educational levels.

Participants at the workshop unanimously agreed that the insights and recommendations shared, if well-implemented, could significantly reduce bullying in both public and private schools in the state.

Earlier in preparation for the 2025 National Children’s Day celebration, the Ondo State Government has announced a series of innovative programmes aimed at promoting intellectual development, child rights awareness, and cultural pride among schoolchildren across the state.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Women Affairs Hall, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Osamaye, disclosed that this year’s theme , “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bully-Free Generation” , underscores the state’s commitment to nurturing children in safe and inclusive environments.

Osamaye said the event, which traditionally featured fanfare, has been redesigned to spotlight the intellectual and creative abilities of children. A key highlight is the revival of the long-abandoned Ondo State Children’s Parliament, which she said had been inactive for over ten years.

“We are reviving the Children’s Parliament as part of efforts to promote civic education and youth engagement in governance. The children will visit the State House of Assembly, interact with the Speaker, and undergo a two-day orientation on parliamentary proceedings,” she said.

The celebration kicks off with a strategic workshop for key stakeholders in the education sector, including representatives from the Ministries of Education and Women Affairs, SUBEB, local government officials, school heads, and education officers. The workshop, chaired by the SUBEB chairman, will feature a presentation on the Child Rights Law by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.Kayode Ajulo, SAN.

Among the events lined up are public speaking contests, cultural displays, and a grand march-past involving 2,500 students from 100 schools across the state. Eighteen students, each representing one local government, will compete in a themed public speaking competition.

Winners of the contests will go home with cash prizes: ₦500,000 for first place, ₦200,000 for second, and ₦100,000 for third.

“These prizes are not just rewards but tools to foster unity, intellectual growth, and a culture of excellence among our students,” Osamaye stated.

The weeklong celebration will culminate next Tuesday with the main event,