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Summary
The Lagos State government has warned against sharing child pornography, with offenders facing up to 14 years imprisonment. Ms Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi announced this during a workshop emphasising child protection and mandatory reporting of abuse.
The Lagos State government has issued a stern warning against the distribution and forwarding of child pornography and other explicit content involving children, emphasising that offenders could face up to 14 years in prison under the state’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Law.
Ms Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, made this announcement during a two-day Safeguarding and Child Protection workshop held for headteachers, teachers, social workers, and school counsellors in Education District 6 (Ikeja, Mushin, and Oshodi-Isolo zones) in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Vivour-Adeniyi stressed that forwarding child pornography is a criminal offence with severe consequences.
“Forwarding child pornography, as provided for in the Lagos State domestic and sexual violence law, can attract up to 14 years imprisonment,” she stated.
She explained that child pornography and obscene publications not only violate the law but also harm children’s mental well-being, adding that pornography negatively impacts cognitive behaviour. Participants were also reminded of their mandatory duty to report suspected or actual child abuse, with non-compliance attracting legal consequences.
The workshop, which coincided with the resumption of schools, emphasised the importance of child protection and equipped participants with the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. Attendees received training on reporting abuse, handling referrals, and adapting the policy to their specific school contexts.
Ms Titilola also highlighted the importance of protecting children from harmful exposure, noting that these efforts form part of the government’s broader strategy to create safe environments for children and educate them about their rights.
The Lagos State government reinforced its commitment to child protection, calling on all stakeholders to share in the collective responsibility of fighting child exploitation and abuse while emphasising that this initiative underscores its priority on the safety and well-being of children and sends a clear message that child exploitation will not be tolerated.
