REPORT: CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE: WHO IS TO BLAME?

MINUTES OF BOOK PRESENTATION OF "CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE: WHO IS TO BLAME?" BY MSS OLAMIDE OGUNSAMI The programme began at exactly 7PM with the Opening Prayer after which we had the National Anthem and National Pledge. In place of the Opening Remark by Dame Abimbola Fashola who joined us but had network issues, excerpts from her comment in the book and signature foreward was shared. Prof. Doyin Hassan, the emcee did a robust introduction of the Keynote Speaker, who is the erstwhile Commissioner for Health and Human Services in Ekiti State – Dr. Mojisola Kolade. She joined us from her home in Connecticut USA where she is presently on a welldeserved vacation following her service in Ekiti. In her well thought through address, she spoke about Child Sexual Abuse, its effects, who to blame and the responsibilities of adults towards solution. Her session, which lasted for about twenty minutes, was garnished with stories from the book. Dr. Mojisola Kolade commended the book as being timely and worthy of adoption by stakeholders and promised to do her part by recommending it to those able to adopt it as required texts for teenagers, youths and stakeholders. In appreciating the Keynote Speaker, the emcee asked her to step into the role of Chair and she accepted to the ovation of the participants. Following this was a brief introduction of the book by the Publisher's nephew, Master Toluwalase Famuyiwa who joined us from the UK. He read the comments from Dame Fashola, wife of former Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Orelope Adefulire, former Deputy Governor Lagos State and former CBAAC Director General Prof. Babawale. Other readers pre-scheduled also took turns to read from the book or book script: Olamide Ogunsami began hers with a brief profile of the Publisher after which she read The Prologue on pages 17 and 18 of the book. The emcee preceded her session by reading her profile which includes that she loves to sing, asked her to do a song and she presentated a song to close her reading. The next to read was Ms. Olayinka Marquis who read excerpt from the Introduction. In a passion-laden voice, she shared her personal experience of sexual abuse as a child. She mentioned that it was her first time of sharing this story. The Publisher’s son was the next to read. Mr. Olasunkanmi Akindele read from pages 12 and 13 of the book. He was closely followed by Mr. Elijah Zion, a teenager who joined us from Niger State. He read from pages 13 and 14. The final reader was Mrs. Yinka Kenny, a survivor of child sexual abuse who shared her experience in a way that gripped all participants and sent waves of healing to everyone as the emcee, chairperson and publisher responded with empathy while encouraging her and others. A number of young people on the forum commented that her story has given them confidence to shame abusers rather than feel a sense of shame as victims. She read from The Epilogue on pages 54 and 55 of the book. With the readings over, we went into the next session - the Book Review by Dr. Mumba Mumba, a native of Zambia who gave amazing reviews of the book and expressed how impressed she was that such a timely book has been birthed at a season like this. She had only praises for the book including the accessible language in which it was written, the use of dialogue, mention of toxic masculinity and how the book drew in all stakeholders to show the role of protecting children is one that all adults must be involved in. Written by Miss Victoria Obey. Edited by Dr. Omolola Omoteso The next session was an interview of the Publisher by Mrs. Patricia Bebia Mawa, international Presenter and Producer who owns a cable network with her husband in Canada. Dr. Omolola Omoteso in responding did justice to all the questions asked. Her response pointed us to the fact that the book began as a ghost written work and was developed as a healing tool for those abused as well as a learning tool for all involved including children who must be protected from all forms of abuse. Dr. Mojisola Kolade added a few enlightening points before the session was concluded by Mrs. Pat Mawa. Rather than a Fundraiser Launch, what we had next was prayer coverage over the book. According to Dr. Omolola Omoteso, we need God to win the battle for the protection of children. Dr. Mojisola Kolade prayed. Thereafter, Prof. Adebayo Fayoyin, visiting Professor, Caleb University and retired Regional Communications Specialist for UNFPA, formally presented the book, Child Sexual Abuse and gave a Goodwill Message. The emcee made a call for donations and comments. Thereafter, Ms. Tiwalola Fagboyegun, Dr. Mojisola Kolade, Ms. Oluwatomilola Ogungbesan, Mrs Jumai Ibrahim and the emcee, Prof. Doyin Hassan, made commendations and shared testimonies about the Publisher. Others who posted their commendation include Ms. Funke Akiyode the CEO of Shout Global Health and Mrs. Olutoyin Ogunbanjo, CEO of Listening Ears. Mrs. Bewaji Oyewole gave the Vote of Thanks and the Closing Prayer was by Dr. Taiye Apoeso, a Paediatrician in New York. The programme came to an end at about 9.30PM. with soft background music by Mr. Olasunkanmi Akindele.