Taiwo AKINLAMI'S Blog
Yesterday was the International Day of the Boy Child, and as I spent time with my son—from picking him up from his bed, saying morning prayers, guiding him through potty training, preparing his breakfast, and getting him ready for school—I found myself reflecting deeply on the kind of boy I was and the man I […] [Read More]
After three decades of working with numerous schools in Nigeria, from the grassroots to the highest levels, I have come to a profound realization: alarmingly, only a handful of leaders prioritize understanding the legal implications of their decisions before taking action or failing to act. And the last time I checked the law rules all […] [Read More]
This morning, our dear son, Tieriayooluwa and I celebrated a very special person—his mother and my beloved wife. With a thoughtful gift, we marked our appreciation for her love, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment to our family. It’s curious to think about the concept of motherhood and how varied our experiences of it can be. Since […] [Read More]
As a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children, my role necessitates frequent court appearances to represent the interests of children for whom I serve as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL). Through these experiences, I have cultivated the practice of meticulously observing every facet of the courtroom process—from the punctuality of the court’s commencement (which, in […] [Read More]
In the realm of child development, nothing operates in isolation; every element, every interaction, plays a role in shaping the child’s life, for better or worse. This interconnectedness underscores the profound importance of Child Safeguarding and Protection. It’s not merely an aspect of care but the very foundation, necessitating the collective effort of society to […] [Read More]
As we observe Autism Awareness Day, it is crucial to shed light on autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—a complex developmental condition marked by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Understanding autism is the first step toward creating supportive environments for individuals on the spectrum. This article provides a comprehensive overview of what parents, […] [Read More]
Over the weekend, I spent time watching and drawing lessons from “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” a docuseries that casts a stark light on the disconcerting sexualization and exploitation prevalent within Nickelodeon. This series not only scrutinizes the network’s dubious content but also addresses the grave allegations surrounding pivotal figures like […] [Read More]
Last week, we revisited Oxbridge Tutorial College to deliver a refresher course on Child Safeguarding and Protection, continuing our partnership that began in 2011 to develop robust safeguarding frameworks. This year’s session, led by myself and distinguished colleagues Mr. Olanipekun Kazeem, Mrs. Safiyat Jibrin-Hamza, and Ms. Victoria Gongote, reaffirmed the college’s unwavering commitment to these […] [Read More]
Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of exploring various civilizations and learning from their approaches to child safeguarding and protection, family strengthening, and right-based approach parenting. This journey has taken me to various parts of the world, broadening my perspective and enriching my understanding of the field. One of the roles […] [Read More]
The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.’ — Nelson Mandela In the shadow of history’s echo, particularly the heart-wrenching abduction of the 276 Chibok girls on April 14-15, 2014, Nigerian children, especially those born to the most marginalized communities, have languished under a pall of […] [Read More]