LAGOS/Nigeria: The Child Protection Network (CPN), Lagos State Chapter, in collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, has trained children representatives and Child Protection Committees on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) to strengthen community-based child protection systems.
The training sessions, held on Monday, September 8, and Wednesday, September 10, at the Bimbo Odukoya Foundation in Lagos, attracted 220 participants from Mushin LGA, Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, and Ejigbo LCDA, including 142 children and 78 adults. A second session was replicated at Orimedu Community in Ibeju-Lekki, where 57 beneficiaries, comprising 34 children and 23 adults, also received training. Early arrivals were presented with book gifts by the Executive Coordinator of the Bimbo Odukoya Foundation.
Ambassador Aderonke Oyelakin, State Coordinator of CPN Lagos, commended SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria for sponsoring the programme. She emphasized the value of art-based therapy as a tool for mental health, noting that it helps children regulate emotions, build self-esteem, improve communication and social skills, and enhance cognitive and motor development.
“For adults, art therapy provides emotional insight, self-awareness, coping mechanisms, and a safe space for trauma resolution,” Oyelakin explained. “It also improves mental health, fosters personal growth, and serves as a non-drug-based intervention for psychological challenges.”
Participants engaged in practical sessions such as expressive art with a “My Feelings Tree” exercise, coping toolbox activities, stress-release games, and resilience-building exercises like the “Treasure Box.” Some children also used artwork to share traumatic experiences and will undergo further therapeutic sessions and counselling with CPN partners.
Oyelakin stressed that mental health is crucial for everyone, including social workers, parents, community leaders, and policymakers. She called for healthier routines, access to care, and stronger mental health policies at community and institutional levels.
“As a network, we are committed to ensuring that every child is free from all forms of abuse, and their mental health remains our priority,” she affirmed.
