By Esther Onyegbula

The Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF) has issued a strong call to action against bullying in Nigerian schools as it celebrated this year’s Children’s Day with over 1,000 pupils in Mushin, Lagos.

Themed “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” the two-day program (May 29–30) united pupils from six public primary schools to raise awareness about the growing threat of bullying and the urgent need to equip children with the confidence to report it.

Helen Egbe, Executive Director of CEF, delivered the keynote address at New City Primary School, urging children to speak out when bullied and encouraging adults to create safer environments.

“Every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment where they can learn, play, and grow without fear,” Egbe said. “Together, we can create a world where every child feels safe and valued.”

Egbe’s remarks came as data from multiple civil society reports show that bullying in Nigerian schools remains underreported and poorly addressed, particularly in underserved communities.

The event drew pupils and staff from New City, Palm Avenue, Oduduwa, Estate, Papa Ajao, and Alaba Primary Schools, institutions that have become regular beneficiaries of CEF’s community-based outreach.

Head teachers and parents in attendance applauded the foundation’s continued investment in child development. Mrs. Rachel Babatunde, Head Teacher of New City Primary School, said the annual initiative has become a highlight for students.

“Our pupils look forward to this celebration each year with joy and excitement. The Cakasa Foundation’s support has become part of our school culture,” she said.

Throughout the program, children engaged in storytelling, role-playing, games, and motivational talks, all designed to foster resilience, empathy, and courage. Facilitators used real-life scenarios to teach pupils how to identify bullying behavior and respond appropriately.

Organizers said the initiative aims not only to create awareness but also to shift school culture and influence policy at the grassroots level.

“When children understand that their voices matter, it changes everything,” said one volunteer mentor. “We’re not just entertaining them; we’re equipping them.”

This year’s campaign builds on CEF’s track record of community-based advocacy. In 2023, the foundation distributed educational materials and organized confidence-building activities for children in Mushin. In 2024, it expanded outreach to include more schools in underserved communities.

Incorporated in 2014 by Engr. Philip Balami Yaro, Managing Director of Cakasa Nigeria Company, CEF serves as the company’s CSR arm, focusing on education, empowerment, and social inclusion. The anti-bullying campaign is the latest in a series of targeted interventions aimed at creating safer school environments.

As calls grow louder for mental health support and safeguarding in Nigerian schools, CEF’s Children’s Day message underscores a larger movement to protect the nation’s youngest citizens from harm, and give them a voice.