ACP in charge of Gender, Lagos State Police Command
Seasoned Police officer in charge of Gender Issues at the Lagos State Police Command, ACP Oluwatoyin Kazeem has called on Nigerian parents to strengthen their roles in safeguarding their children against rising security threats.
She made this important note at the PCRC Women’s conference where she delivered a powerful presentation highlighting the urgent need for intentional parenting in today’s rapidly changing world.
According to her, many of the dangers children face today stem from preventable lapses at home. She stressed that parents must create a safe space where children feel comfortable discussing their concerns without the fear of judgment. “Children should be able to speak freely without fear, shame, or intimidation,” she noted, adding that open communication remains one of the strongest defences against abuse and exploitation.
She urged parents to have honest conversations with their children about risks which abound both online and offline using age-appropriate language. “Avoid minimizing or exaggerating risks and don’t assume your child knows basic safety facts” she advised.
The officer expressed concern over modern parenting trends that inadvertently expose children to harm. She identified the get-inside style of parenting, nonchalant attitudes towards child supervision, excessive screen time, peer pressure, and unfiltered access to TV and cyberspace as significant contributors to rising safety risks. These factors, she explained, can make children more vulnerable to manipulation, abuse, and criminal influences.
To counter these threats, she emphasised the importance of clear household rules and consistent discipline that help children understand boundaries and feel secure. She encouraged parents to actively monitor their children’s online activities, limit exposure to harmful content, and introduce healthy digital habits early.
In the same event, the keynote speaker, Dr. Mrs. Ajoke Olufunmilola Ogunsan had spotlighted the need for parents to be worthy role models for their children. “Raising children of light begins with being light ourselves,” she said. “Children learn more from what they observe than from what they are told.”
Dr. Ogunsan urged families not to outsource parenting to digital platforms or peer culture. She called for homes to be reclaimed as “sanctuaries of values where truth is taught, discipline upheld, and love expressed.”
The Chairman of PCRC in Lagos, Apostle Kehinde Showemimo in his goodwill message appreciated the PCRC National Chairman, Alh. Mogaji, all the invited guests, and everyone that made the program a success citing that the idea of the women conference started ‘during the Endsars protest when we saw how things were going bad, we invited mothers from churches, mosques, everywhere to see how we can talk and stop the menace. We had the discussions and we had the impact. That’s how we are also here.’
The PCRC Women Coordinator in Lagos, Dr. Mrs. Helen Animashaun noted that the 8th conference is a ‘dialogue on how we can move together to see how the country can grow’ while she lamented the loss of a member of the organizing committee, Mrs. Adeleke whom she also requested to be honored with a one-minute silence.
Mrs. Oluwatoyin Risqat Jimoh, the wife of Lagos CP, CP Olohundare Jimoh was represented by Mrs. Aminat Yusuf. She appreciated the PCRC ‘for a job well done in helping the Nigeria Police and keeping the community safe.’
She also expressed her gratitude to her husband, CP Olohundare Jimoh and all the officers and men of the Nigeria Police in Lagos State Police Command for their great efforts at keeping Lagos safe and secured.
At the event, personalities were awarded for their contribution to society. They include Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Dame Adesola Adeputu, Dr. Mrs. Ajoke Ogunsan, Mrs. Obembe Alice Abayomi, wife of the Lagos CP, Mrs. Risqat Oluwatoyin Jimoh, Olori Oba Dr. Bernitha Agbo, Rtn Bankole Akibu, Comrade Oluomo Jamiu Talabi, Chief Suleiman Adegboyega Ogidi, Prince Taiwo Oyeniyi, Prof. Ambrose Sina Musa, Rev. Dr Mrs. Helen Animashaun, Alhaji Aileru Oluwadare Saliu, Chief Osideinde Kazeem, Hon. Ademola Adesina, ACP Oluwatoyin Kazeem, and Pastor Bimbo Ogunbiyi.