Stakeholders gathered in Lagos for the public presentation of *Flora’s Flower* on October 25, 2026, demanding that the safety and dignity of child sexual abuse survivors be prioritised over concerns about family reputation, and urging the creation of robust support mechanisms that extend beyond court convictions.
The event, organised by journalist and child‑rights advocate [Funmi Ajumobi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funmi_Ajumobi), featured the theme “Beyond Justice: Strengthening Support Systems for Child Abuse Survivors.” The book, which narrates the ordeal of a 16‑year‑old girl named Flora, aims to serve as an educational tool and includes international child‑protection helpline numbers.
**What did the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency highlight?**
The Executive Secretary of the [Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA)](https://dsva.lagosstate.gov.ng), Mrs Titilola Vivour‑Adeniyi, noted that a culture of silence often blocks survivors from speaking out and shields perpetrators from accountability. She warned families against hiding abuse to avoid embarrassment and stressed that parents must foster environments where children feel safe to disclose incidents without fear of blame or intimidation.
Vivour‑Adeniyi urged immediate reporting of suspected abuse, advising families to seek help from law‑enforcement, health facilities and trauma centres. She cautioned that over‑controlling parenting can isolate children from trusted adults capable of recognising warning signs. While prosecution is essential, she argued that survivors also need counselling, medical care, psychosocial assistance, and support to return to school.
**How can the book be used to promote awareness?**
The DSVA chief recommended that *Flora’s Flower* be incorporated into curricula of schools, religious bodies, parent forums and community programmes to raise child‑protection awareness and encourage reporting.
**What broader recommendations were made by other speakers?**
Mr Olabode Olaoba, representing the event’s chairman and special guest of honour Mr Kayode Filani, echoed the call for a holistic approach. He highlighted that abused children often face stigma, intimidation, family pressure and disbelief, which can deter reporting and deepen trauma. Olaoba called for stronger family and community support, greater access to qualified counsellors and psychologists, effective enforcement of child‑protection laws, and better coordination among relevant agencies.
He appealed to law‑enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, health workers, teachers and social‑welfare personnel to adopt child‑sensitive practices that prioritise survivors’ welfare. Olaoba also urged parents, religious leaders, traditional rulers and community stakeholders to create safe spaces for children to report abuse without fear.
**What commitments were announced by the author?**
Ajumobi thanked Vanguard Media Limited for its backing, describing the newspaper as “more than a newspaper organisation – a place where destinies thrive and people discover their voices.” She disclosed that a portion of the book’s proceeds will fund a breakfast‑feeding programme in Ikorodu, Lagos State, aimed at boosting school attendance and reducing vulnerability among children.
The launch attracted a wide array of dignitaries, including former Lagos State First Lady Dame Abimbola Fashola, the Chairman of the Lagos Education and Resource Network (LEARN), the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, and senior officials from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. Representatives from corporate bodies, civil‑society groups and several schools were also present, underscoring the broad-based support for the initiative.
In summary, the summit called for concrete actions—stronger referral networks, measurable interventions and sustained collaboration among government, NGOs, schools and the private sector—to ensure that survivors of child sexual abuse receive the comprehensive care they need.