SafeKids Consult Leads Campaign to Tackle Child Negligence and Digital Risks in Nigeria

As child safety concerns rise in Nigeria, SafeKids Consult is taking the lead in addressing gaps in physical and digital safety across schools and homes. Founded by Adejumoke Sangolana, the non-profit group has been working to build awareness, provide training, and equip stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to protect children.

According to statistics from the National Safety Council, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), injury is the leading cause of death among children and young adults. The CDC reports that about 12,000 children and young people between the ages of 1 and 19 die each year from unintentional injuries.

While local data is limited, Nigeria continues to witness avoidable accidents and risks in under-resourced schools. SafeKids Consult has stepped in to fill these gaps through education, outreach, and partnerships with safety experts and institutions.

The organisation recently held the second edition of its Child Safety Outreach, themed “Enabling the Guardians of the Digital Age.” The event focused on the challenges faced by schools in low- and middle-income areas, many of which lack access to professional risk assessments and basic safety infrastructure.

Speaking at the event, Sangolana said the outreach was designed to help parents and schools understand the dual nature of technology.

“This outreach was about helping schools and parents understand both the opportunities and the risks,” she said. “While technology has opened up the world for our children, it has also introduced new dangers, online predators, exposure to harmful content, and emotional vulnerability.”

Engr. Jamiu Badmos, founder of QHSES Academy and keynote speaker, highlighted the importance of proactive planning.

“We have lost children in Lagos to easily preventable accidents during school events simply because there was no emergency plan, no first aid, and no understanding of basic safety,” he said. “We cannot continue to put children in harm’s way and then act surprised when accidents happen. Risk assessment and prevention must become standard practice in every Nigerian school.”

Dominga Odebunmi, the pioneer Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, was also present. She encouraged schools to embrace digital safety education tools like AskPaddie, a YouTube-based learning channel for children.

“Nigeria must be a safer place, and how best can we do it? We have to make sure that apart from teaching ourselves, our future generation, the children, are the ones who truly embrace this,” Odebunmi said.

Femi DaSilva, CEO of HSENations, also called for a cultural shift. “Teaching safety from childhood builds habits that last a lifetime and helps raise a generation that values life, health, and well-being,” he said. “SafeKids Consult is doing something special. Their events teach safety and build momentum for real cultural change, and that’s why we’re looking forward to stronger collaboration next year.”

The event received sponsorship from The Trusted Advisors, Kevron Group, and Finsbury Heinz Ltd, with additional support from partners such as HSENations, AfriSafe, SustainablePEOPLE, and Fuschia Events. Donations of books, safety equipment and other gift items came from Flour Mills of Nigeria, Laterna Ventures, Kennedia HMO, Rapid Vigil Security Company Ltd, Unicornvic Services, Fam & Lon Travels, and the Edwin & Usiwoma Okagbare Foundation.

Sangolana also acknowledged individual supporters including Drs. Moses and Modupe Adetayo, Mrs. Bodunrin Olaleye, and Mr. Efiok Ekanem, and Mr. Tayo of DAT Visuals.

A key part of the outreach was a panel session moderated by Habeeb Salaudeen, Governor of SustainablePEOPLE. Panellists included Omonefe Francis, Head of Business Development at Kennedia HMO Ltd; Elizabeth Oyinlola, Associate at The Trusted Advisors; Udoh Bassey, a Digital Safety Expert; RC Oluwafemi Runsewe of the Federal Road Safety Corps; and Odufuye Akinbowale, a Defensive Driving Tutor with Kevron Consulting Ltd.

The panel addressed practical steps to reduce risks for children, especially online. Discussions covered gaps in school safety, rising digital exposure, and the need for stronger parental involvement.

Participants discussed tools and policies that can empower schools and communities to make safety a shared responsibility.

Children from various schools participated in a safety quiz competition, while adults engaged in first aid training and a debate session. The organisation also launched a safety flash card series and introduced a play version of its children’s book, “Sam Learns Safety,” aimed at making safety education more engaging.

As the event ended, children received school supplies, while teachers and parents left with safety kits and knowledge to help improve child protection practices in their schools and homes.

“We’re happy with the impact this event had. Feedback started pouring in before we even packed up,” Sangolana said. “Teachers, parents, and children alike said they got valuable lessons that could save a life.”

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