Freedom Fund Delegation Visits Adosoba Community to Assess Impact of Child Protection Project
The Freedom Fund delegation has visited DEVATOP’s project community in Adosoba to observe and gain firsthand insight into the outcomes and impact of the “Protect Child Domestic Workers from Maltreatment” project. The visit featured a high-level court engagement at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sulaimon Surajudeen Adisa Fubawa II, the Alado of Ado, and brought together traditional leaders, community stakeholders, project beneficiaries, and development partners.
The delegation from Freedom Fund included Havovi Waida, Managing Director of Programs; Ruth Kimani, Head of Programs for Africa; Ime Samuel, Program Manager for Freedom Fund Nigeria; and Chika Valerie, Program Advisor for Nigeria. Upon arrival in the community, they were warmly received with traditional drumming and masquerade performances, reflecting the community’s appreciation for the project and its partners. The delegation was thereafter escorted to the palace for the formal engagement with the traditional leadership. At the palace, the delegation was received by the palace secretary, Mr. Olakunle Olanrewaju, alongside members of the royal cabinet and community chiefs. His Royal Majesty later entered the chamber, prompting a standing ovation in line with cultural protocol. Following formal introductions by the palace secretary and the presentation of the DEVATOP team led by Project Lead Janet Homo Ebitaniyan, community influencers, guardians, and partners were also introduced to the royal court.
In recognition of the visiting delegation, the Oba invited Havovi Waida and Ime Samuel to occupy the high seat as honored guests. The Project Lead presented an overview of the project’s implementation in Adosoba, outlining key activities, achievements, and DEVATOP’s grassroots approach to strengthening community-based child protection systems and raising awareness on the rights and safety of child domestic workers. Community influencers and guardians further shared testimonies on their involvement in awareness creation, monitoring of child protection concerns, and promoting safer environments for vulnerable children, noting visible improvements in community awareness and collective responsibility since the project’s implementation.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Ime Samuel expressed appreciation to His Royal Majesty for his leadership and consistent support toward the successful implementation of the project in Adosoba. The delegation also commended the commitment of DEVATOP and community stakeholders in advancing child protection efforts, emphasizing the critical role of traditional leadership in driving sustainable change at the community level.
In his response, the Oba expressed gratitude to the Freedom Fund for its investment in local organizations and initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable children. He reaffirmed the palace’s continued support for DEVATOP and assured the delegation of their welcome in Adosoba and surrounding communities. In recognition of the visit and its contribution to child protection efforts, His Royal Majesty conferred traditional titles on members of the delegation, naming Havovi Waida “Aramishe Orente – The Asake of Ado Kingdom” and Ruth Kimani “Akorede Oyindamola.” Symbolic gifts were also presented as a mark of honour and appreciation.
During the engagement, DEVATOP also highlighted its next strategic step toward strengthening child protection systems through the domestication of relevant child protection laws and the development of a local government by-law to enhance the protection of child domestic workers. The Project Lead noted that while initial efforts had begun, progress had been slowed by administrative bottlenecks at the local government level. She therefore sought the support of His Royal Majesty in facilitating engagement with the Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government to help advance the process.
Responding, the Oba commended the initiative and pledged his support, assuring the team that he would facilitate engagement with the local government leadership, with whom he maintains a strong working relationship. He encouraged continued collaboration between stakeholders to strengthen child protection mechanisms in the region.
The visit concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Executive Director of Joseph Osuigwe, who expressed sincere appreciation to His Royal Majesty, the Freedom Fund delegation, community leaders, and all stakeholders for their support and active participation. The Project Lead also extended gratitude to all attendees, reaffirming DEVATOP’s commitment to protecting child domestic workers and strengthening community-driven child protection systems.
