Child Protection Network (CPN), Lagos State Chapter, with the backing of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, has redoubled its efforts to promote mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for children and community stakeholders.
This is as it organised a two part training to equip children and adults with tools to boost emotional well-being, resilience and healthier lifestyles.
The first session held this month at Bimbo Odukoya Foundation in Ilupeju, Lagos, drawing 220 participants, including 142 children and 78 adults from Mushin Local Government, Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, and Ejigbo LCDA.
The second session, also this month at Orimedu Community in Ibeju-Lekki, had 57 participants, including 34 children and 23 adults.
Early arrivals were rewarded with books from the Executive Coordinator of Bimbo Odukoya Foundation and CPN State Coordinator, Mrs. Aderonke Oyelakin, with state executives, who lauded SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria for sponsoring the initiative.
The training focused on Child Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, interactive sessions, art-based therapy, group exercises, and open discussions. It began with reflections on importance of mental well-being in communities and its impact on children and adults.
Oyelakin stressed the need to prioritise mental health, adding art-based therapy improves well-being by helping participants explore emotions, develop coping skills, reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
“Art provides a safe outlet, particularly for children, who may struggle to express themselves verbally. It builds confidence, improves communication, and enhances social skills,” she said.
For children, the sessions focused on emotional regulation, building self-esteem, strengthening communication, and developing social and cognitive skills. Adults benefited from tools to manage stress, gain emotional insight, and build healthier coping mechanisms. “For many adults, this training provides a safe space to process trauma, resolve conflicts, and reclaim agency over their well-being,” Oyelakin added.
Practical sessions brought these lessons to life. Facilitator, Mrs. Olajumoke Otitoloju, led participants in an expressive art exercise, My Feelings Tree, where children drew to portray emotions. Movement-based actions like Dance Freeze kept energy levels high while reinforcing teamwork and focus. In “Coping Toolbox”, they identified trusted people, safe spaces, and activities to lean on at stress times.
Others are resilience-building, relaxation circles, and fun energisers using balloons, skipping, and music. Group bonding, snack breaks, and shared reflections gave participants time to connect, while winners of group activities received gifts.
Some children who used art to reveal traumatic experiences were identified for further therapeutic support and counselling through the CPN’s partners.
Mrs Oyelakin explained that mental health is as vital as physical health and must be treated as such. “Prioritising mental health means actively supporting emotional and social well-being. It involves creating routines that encourage exercise, good sleep, and boundaries to prevent burnout, alongside seeking professional help when needed,” she said.
The training also highlighted the broader policy implications. Organisers called for improved mental health policies in Nigeria, increased access to affordable care, and the promotion of positive school and community environments where children feel safe and supported.
Mrs. Oyelakin urged social workers, parents, teachers, and community leaders to prioritise mental health, stressing that it is essential to protecting children from abuse and ensuring they grow up in safe, nurturing environments.