By Sodiq Adelakun
Lagos State has introduced a formidable deterrent against the distribution of child pornography, with offenders now facing up to 14 years in prison under the state’s domestic and sexual violence law.
This unveiled by Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, during a workshop held for educators, social workers, and school counsellors in the state.
In her address, Vivour-Adeniyi emphasised that the illegal sharing and forwarding of child pornography on social media or through any other means would attract severe legal consequences.
She said that the law was designed not only to punish offenders but also to safeguard the mental well-being of children who may be exposed to such harmful content.
“Forwarding child pornography, as provided for in the Lagos State domestic and sexual violence law, can attract up to 14 years imprisonment,” she stated.
The agency’s leader also pointed out the broader societal impact of child pornography, stressing the psychological damage it could inflict on young minds.
She remarked that “pornography can have a negative impact on the cognitive behaviour of those who watch it,” making it all the more urgent for stakeholders, particularly those in educational institutions, to be vigilant.
Vivour-Adeniyi elaborated on the workshop’s focus, stating that its objective was to arm key professionals, such as school heads, counsellors, and social workers, with the necessary knowledge to identify and prevent potential abuse.
“We believe that enlightenment is truly superior to enforcement, so routinely, we engage in activities like this where we build the capacity of these key service providers, imparting them with relevant knowledge on laws that relate to these issues,” she explained.
This initiative forms part of Lagos State’s ongoing efforts to enhance child protection and to empower school personnel as “mandated reporters.”
As Vivour-Adeniyi explained, these individuals are entrusted with the responsibility to act in cases of suspected domestic and sexual violence. She urged them to remain vigilant, as their awareness and quick action could play a pivotal role in protecting vulnerable children.
The Lagos State government continues to prioritise the protection of children, with Vivour-Adeniyi concluding her remarks by reinforcing the importance of collective responsibility in the fight against child exploitation.
She added that the workshop was held for the participants because school counsellors, social workers, and heads of schools play a critical role in ensuring that children in their care have their rights adequately safeguarded and protected.
“This is because they are mandated reporters. They have a duty to see, say, and do something in any domestic and sexual violence incidents. We believe that enlightenment is truly superior to enforcement, so routinely, we engage in this kind of activity where we build the capacity of these key service providers, imparting them with relevant knowledge on laws that relate to these issues, talking to them about their roles with the hope that they will be more equipped in preventing and appropriately responding to child protection disclosures that may arise in their institutions.
“We must all do our part to ensure that our children are safe from harm, and that they grow in an environment free from exploitation,” she said.
