Help to Stop Child Sexual Abuse in Nigeria

Cece Yara’s GlobalGiving Report for Q3 - JULY-SEPTEMBER 2025

Ensuring Child Protection through Community Empowerment and Legislative Advocacy

Bariga Market Awareness Outreach– In July, Cece Yara took child protection advocacy into the heart of the community through the Bariga Market Awareness Campaign, generously supported by Freedom Fund. The initiative engaged traders, market leaders, and community members, reaching over 3000 people with sensitization on the urgent need to safeguard the rights of child domestic workers. During the outreach, we underscored the importance of treating every child with dignity, respect, and fairness, while drawing attention to the dangers of exploitation and abuse. Information materials were distributed, and the Cece Yara 24/7 Child Helpline was promoted as a vital reporting channel for cases of abuse. This campaign not only heightened awareness but also strengthened the linkages between the community and existing child protection resources.

SKAP AT Redeemed Church– On Sunday 13th July 2025, the team coupled with a volunteer conducted SKAP in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Holy Ghost Center) located at Alexander Crescent Banex Wuse II, Abuja. The team facilitated the SKAP program to educate children on body safety, identifying unsafe situations, and speaking up when uncomfortable. Using interactive discussions and activities, the session emphasized refusal skills, the role of trusted adults, and available reporting channels. Pre and post assessments helped to reinforce learning and measure improved awareness among the children.

Market Awareness at Utako

The Abuja team conducted a market sensitization exercise at Utako Market under the Area Municipal Council to strengthen community awareness on child protection. During the outreach, business owners and members of the public were introduced to Cece Yara’s mission and services, including our toll-free helpline for reporting abuse and accessing support. An estimated number of 700 adults were reached .The engagement created an opportunity to build trust within the community, enlighten the public on practical steps for safeguarding children, and encourage active participation in protecting children from abuse and exploitation.

Official Launch of the Lagos State Child Sexual Abuse Investigative and Interview Protocol

After 3 instalments of a high-level consultative workshop on the prescription and adoption of the forensic interview process followed by a consensus among stakeholders within the law enforcement, justice, education and social welfare sectors,   the Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Justice with funding from the ROLAC IDEA 11 officially launched the Lagos State Child Sexual Abuse Investigative and Forensic Interview Protocol on the 14th of August, 2025..

The purpose of the launch is to formalise the protocol, sensitise stakeholders, and reinforce the Lagos State Government’s commitment to protecting children from sexual abuse through a standardised coordinated justice process.

This pioneering protocol represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the child protection and justice system in Lagos State. It provides a standardized, trauma- informed framework for interviewing child survivors and investigating child sexual abuse cases, while ensuring inter-agency collaboration and survivor-centered practices.

The ceremony also witnesses the presentation of certificates for the newly trained forensic interviewers.

Advocacy Visit to the Ministry of Labour and Employment

Cece Yara alongside 3 other CSOs on the Freedom Fund organisation’s platform conducted an advocacy visit to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja. The purpose of the visit was to present key findings from the project's mapping and policy review, highlight critical gaps in the protection of child domestic workers (CDWs), and engage the Ministry on strategic recommendations for improved enforcement, and stakeholder collaboration on alleviating the plight of child domestic workers.

3HF’s  CHILD RIGHTS AND SAFEGUARDING WORKSHOP

Cece Yara participated in child rights and safeguarding workshop organized by Hearts & Hands Humanitarian Foundation (3hf) funded by the Freedom Fund organization “Addressing Exploitative Child Domestic Work”. The workshop provided an important platform for stakeholders across Lagos State to engage in meaningful dialogue, share insights, and collaborate on strategies to protect the rights and wellbeing of children - particularly those vulnerable to or affected by exploitative domestic work. The event featured presentations, discussions, and the sharing of best practices to raise awareness, highlight progress made in combating child labour, and identifying effective interventions for sustained impact.

Featured on Lagos Traffic Radio "Phenomenal Woman

Cece Yara featured 3times (July-September) on Traffic Radio96.1.fm to empower the citizens on the dynamics of child protection and on responding responsibly to ensure child protection.

https://youtu.be/nl97bYaCBII

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BMbWrgXL8/

OSUN STATE MINISTRIES OF JUSTICE, SOCIAL WELFARE AND PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES

The Osun state ministries of social welfare and persons living with disabilities conducted a learning and inter-state study tour of the Cece Yara CAC.

This learning visit was aimed at:

• Enhancing the institutional capacity of key actors for coordination and accountability in ending violence against women (EVAW) through cross-state peer learning, policy exchange, and institutional benchmarking.
• Providing strategic and technical assistance to key agencies in Osun State to strengthen SGBV awareness, prevention, and coordinated institutional response for women and girls with disabilities.
• Engaging the Technical Action and Sustainability Plan (TASP) as a tool for benchmarking and enhancing accessibility and inclusivity across both states.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DM-SFcIo_aa/?igsh=cDc0OGl1N3Vkbjc2

The Safe Kids Awareness Prevention (SKAP) was implemented at the RCCG Spring of Life, Ibafo, and Ogun State.

The session equipped children with essential knowledge about body safety, personal boundaries, and trusted support systems. Participants learned how to identify and confide in trusted adults, especially when feeling uncomfortable, unsafe, or threatened. The children were encouraged to speak up, understand their rights, and recognise that their bodies deserve protection, dignity, and respect.

The session was highly interactive, with active participation from the children, who demonstrated a clear understanding of the key messages. A total of 400 children benefited from the training.

SKAP AT Redeemed Church– On Sunday 13th July 2025, the team coupled with a volunteer conducted SKAP in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Holy Ghost Center) located at Alexander Crescent Banex Wuse II, Abuja. The team facilitated the SKAP program to educate 46 children on body safety, identifying unsafe situations, and speaking up when uncomfortable. Using interactive discussions and activities, the session emphasized refusal skills, the role of trusted adults, and available reporting channels. Pre and post assessments helped to reinforce learning and measure improved awareness among the children.

JONAPWD Event

On the 17th and 18th of September, the CECE  Yara CAC participated in a two-day Conference on Disability-Inclusive Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Response Systems, organized by the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD).

The conference aimed to develop practical mechanisms, promote inclusivity, and facilitate dialogue among key stakeholders to effectively address Gender-Based Violence issues affecting Persons with Disabilities.

The Centre also participated in a panel session titled “Mapping Existing SGBV Response Mechanisms – Effectiveness, Coordination Structure, Inclusion, and Data for Evidence-Based Intervention.

Let There Be Teachers Conference – 2025

The Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre participated in the landmark Let There Be Teachers Conference organized by 1 Million Teachers, which achieved a Guinness World Record with over 5,082 educators in attendance.

The conference provided a national platform to advocate for teacher welfare, professional development, and stronger education systems.

Cece Yara’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Bisi Ajayi-Kayode, served as a panelist at the event. The Centre also hosted an exhibition booth, where the team disseminated IEC materials, engaged with teachers on best practices for child protection, and conducted advocacy to promote safe learning environments.

The participating Educators expressed strong interest in Cece Yara’s resources and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that every child is safe, heard, and protected.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPBXc71DMX-/?igsh=dnBocmRzNmFpM2Zx

Red Cross Quarterly Review Meeting

The Centre was honored to participate in an engagement session organized by the British Red Cross. The meeting was convened to strengthen collaboration among child-focused organizations, explore partnership opportunities, and share insights on programs promoting child protection and welfare.

The Cece Yara Centre delivered a presentation highlighting the center’s programme and services with the NRC onboarding the centre for referral services for its clients.

SKAP AT JSS Kubwa

On the 14th of October, 2025, the Abuja Team and Volunteers of Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre successfully carried out the Safe Kids Awareness Program (SKAP) at Junior Secondary School, Kubwa and Junior secondary School Dawarki.

During the session, we sensitized a total of 1070 students (boys and girls) on child protection, personal safety, and how to identify and report abuse.

The school principal warmly welcomed the team and expressed appreciation for the impactful session. He also pledged to work closely with Cece Yara to strengthen child protection systems within the school and ensure that all students are safeguarded from any form of abuse.

Ijesha Market and Motor Park Outreach – 10th September 2025

The Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre, with support from The Freedom Fund, held a community sensitisation outreach at Ijesha Market and Motor Park in Surulere, Lagos State. The campaign raised awareness on the protection of Child Domestic Workers (CDWs) and the public’s role in safeguarding their rights and welfare.

The team engaged traders, transport workers, and community members on identifying and reporting child abuse and exploitation, while promoting the Cece Yara Child Helpline (0800 800 8001) as a confidential reporting channel.

The outreach was spanned 5000 well received, with participants appreciating the initiative and recognizing the need to protect children from domestic labour and related abuses.

Links:

• WOW 96.1. Radio FM
• Let there be teachers conference
• Osun state study tour

• Let there be teachers conference 1 (PDF)
  

Cece Yara’s GlobalGiving Report Q2 for April-June 2025 – Amplifying the Voices of Children and Strengthening Partnerships to ensure Child Protection

Partnership with the Forensic Science and Expert Witnesses in Nigeria

Forensic science and expert witnesses play crucial roles in child protection by providing scientific evidence and specialized knowledge to aid investigations and legal proceedings related to child abuse and neglect. It was on this note that the Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre increased its partnerships by collaborating with theAssociation of Forensic Science and Expert Witnesses in Nigeria. With this partnership the medical services and forensic interview process of the Centre will be strengthened to facilitate quicker and more effective investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases. The Cece Yara team gleaned expert insights on child-sensitive techniques for evidence collection and analysis which are pivotal in securing justice for child abuse survivors. As we continue to champion innovative, science-driven approaches, we remain unwavering in our commitment to building a safer, more just Nigeria—one case, one child, and one piece of evidence at a time.

President of Association of Forensic science and expert witnesses in Nigeria visits Cece Yara Child Advocacy Center

Cece Yara Child Advocacy Center participated in the 11^th International Consultation of Child Helpline held in Zambia

In today’s digital world, children face increasing risks and harms onlinewith one in three internet users is under 18, yet online spaces expose them to threats such as cyberbullying, online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA), misinformation, and harmful content. This is often due to lack of awareness, fear, or stigma. It was on this note that the Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre played a pivotal role at the 11th International Consultation of Child Helplines in Livingstone, Zambia, uniting with child protection leaders from over 50 nations under the theme, “Envisioning Child Helplines for 2030 and Beyond.” Our delegation showcased innovative approaches and insights from Nigeria, fostering global dialogue on enhancing child protection systems.

Our presence underscores Cece Yara’s strategic objective goal of amplifying children’s voices so that they will know where to get help alongside our unwavering dedication to empowering children worldwide, ensuring their voices are not just heard but acted upon.

Pics 2: CEO Cece Yara CHild Advocacy Center at the 11th International Consultaion of CHild Helpline held in Zambia

Partnership with OPAY Digital Services for Capacity Building of 15000 Vulnerable Children in Low Resource and Marginalised Communities

In fulfillment of its Mission of Preventing Child Sexual Abuse through Community empowerment and its Vision to create a safe and happy childhood for each Nigerian child free from sexual abuse with easy access to care, information, protection and emergency interventions, the Centre in partnership with OPAY Digital Services a finance company licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria implemented awareness prevention training for school children in low resource and marginalised areas of the Ikorodu and Kosofe communities of Lagos state. Over 15000 children were empowered on body safety, case reporting, and emergency rescue and community resources available to respond to child sexual abusecollin Empowering Communities for child Protection. Child Protection is part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of the OPAY Services.

Women on Wheels (WOW) on Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 spotlighted Cece Yara

In mid-July, Cece Yara’s mission to amplify the voices of children and champion women’s leadership took centre stage on Women on Wheels (WOW), aired on @lagostrafficradio 96.1FM. Our remarkable CEO, shared transformative insights on the theme “The Phenomenal Woman’’ wherein she spoke to the citizenry about the responsibilities of adults in protecting children including knowing the dynamics of child abuse, knowing the signs, case reporting and creating supportive environment for children. Traffic radio has an estimated reach of 50,000 citizens in Lagos state.

The platform offered a powerful reminder that when women lead boldly, entire communities rise. We are grateful to the WOW team, Toyota Nigeria, and the producers for creating space for this important conversation that bridges gender, justice, and advocacy.

Engagement of Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) at Kayron International School Lagos

As part of our adult awareness prevention training programme, we had the privilege of engaging the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) of Kayron International School in a meaningful session focused on raising responsible, confident, and emotionally healthy children. Our team shared practical, age-appropriate strategies to strengthen communication between adults and children and emphasized proactive safety measures to protect children across all environments, home, school, and community. About 40 school educators and 103 parents participated in the event.

“When adults are empowered with the right knowledge, children are empowered to grow in safety and confidence,” one facilitator shared during the session. The warm reception and active participation from the PTA reinforced the power of collaboration in child protection. At Cece Yara, we remain committed to supporting schools and families in building safer, nurturing spaces where every child can thrive.

Cece Yara Child Advocacy Center informs the public about safeguarding Child Domestic Workers via IG & Twitter live sessions

Between April and June, Cece Yara Foundation, with support from Freedom Fund, successfully hosted a series of impactful Instagram Live sessions and Twitter Space chats focused on addressing the plight of child domestic workers in Nigeria. These conversations brought together diverse voices, including the Zonal Commander of NAPTIP Lagos, the PRO of the Nigerian Police Force (Lagos Command), and religious leaders from both Christian and Muslim communities. The sessions provided a platform to shed light on the harsh realities faced by these children, including denial of education, exploitation, abuse, and lack of proper support systems.

An estimated number of 25000 citizens were reached at  the events.

Discussions explored safe and regulated work environments, community-driven intervention strategies, and faith-based perspectives on protecting vulnerable children. The engagements also highlighted legal frameworks, reporting mechanisms, and the shared responsibility of society in ending child domestic labor. With thousands reached across both platforms, these conversations successfully amplified advocacy efforts, equipped participants with actionable knowledge, and inspired collective commitment toward safeguarding the rights and dignity of every child.

The Cece Yara Shelter‘s Happy Ending to the Case of Child Abduction

The Cece Yara Team put an happy ending to the case of a child that was abducted at one day old. The mother reached out to us via our child helpline to inform that she has been a victim of a human trafficking ring (baby factory). Her baby was forcefully taken away from her at birth. We engaged the police to clamp down on the baby trafficking ring and rescued the child at 10months in 2019. The child has since been in our shelter wherein we provided accommodation, education, medical ,psycho-social support,  feeding and social services till date for the child in collaboration with the Lagos state Ministry of Youths and Social Development.. We also facilitated skill acquisition for the teenage mother. The mother is now a young adult with a viable means of livelihood. Both mother and child were reconciled in May this year with Cece Yara conducting follow-up services for the child.

To maintain privacy and Confidentiality the photos of the mother and child will not be uploaded.

Emergency Rescue of Survivours of Child Prostitution

The Cece Yara team on receiving the report of a set of 11year old twin girls being used for commercial sexual exploitation by their mother in a low resource community, engaged the police and social services to rescue the twin girls. The twins are presently in our shelter wherein they are accessing medical, psycho-social support alongside home schooling to heal and get adjusted to a normal post abusive life.

To maintain privacy and Confidentiality the photos of the mother and child will not be uploaded in this report.

Also, during the quarter, 13 children who had experienced abuse were relocated their offending environment to non-offending environment.

 Justice Served

The Cece Yara legal team facilitated access to justice for an 11 year old girl who was serially defiled by an adult neighbour. The Lagos state sexual offences court gave judgement delivered by Justice Rahman Oshodi  in sentencing the perpetrator to life imprisonment. 

Links:

• Cece Yara's advocacy on Radio Traffic hosted by Women on Wheels
• IG live session