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Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre and Zero Abuse Project Collaborate to Enhance Child Protection in Nigeria

Lagos, Nigeria – February 16, 2024 – Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre, in partnership with the Zero Abuse Project, is proud to announce the successful conclusion of a groundbreaking training initiative aimed at bolstering child protection efforts in Nigeria.

This collaboration saw government officials from various sectors undergo rigorous training in the ChildFirst® Forensic Interview techniques, facilitated by experts from Zero Abuse Project. The ChildFirst® program, renowned for its comprehensive approach to forensic interviewing, equips professionals with the specialised skills necessary for conducting sensitive and effective interviews with child victims or witnesses.

Recognising the critical need for accurate and reliable information gathering in cases of child abuse, the training emphasised a child-centered approach, prioritising the well-being and dignity of children throughout the interview process. By providing a structured framework and evidence-based techniques, ChildFirst® Forensic Interview training stands as a vital tool in promoting justice and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable children.

Detutu Ajibodu, CEO of Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating: “The ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Training is not just a program; it is a transformative force that equips professionals with specialised skills crucial for the delicate task of conducting sensitive and effective forensic interviews with children. As the first academy on the continent, we take pride in setting a precedent that will echo across borders, inspiring others to join the mission of creating safer spaces for children in Africa.”

Child abuse cases often present unique challenges, including underreporting, high attrition rates, and difficulties in investigation and prosecution. Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre is committed to addressing these challenges by introducing forensic interviewing into Nigeria’s criminal justice system. Forensic interviews, conducted by trained professionals in a developmentally sensitive manner, serve to gather crucial information while minimising the risk of contamination and re-victimisation.

“The partnership between Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre and Zero Abuse Project underscores our shared commitment to enhancing child protection efforts in Nigeria,” said Mrs. Bola Tinubu, Founder of Cece Yara. “By equipping government officials with the tools and techniques of forensic interviewing, we are fostering inter-agency collaboration and paving the way for more effective responses to child abuse.”

The recent graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone in the journey towards a safer and more secure future for Nigeria’s children. Participants from various sectors, including law enforcement, child protection agencies, and the judiciary, emerged from the training equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to champion the cause of child protection in their respective roles.

Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre extends its gratitude to Zero Abuse Project for their partnership and expertise in making this initiative a success. Together, we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a world where every child is safe, protected, and empowered to thrive.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Prisca Onuegbu

Communications Manager

Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre

08126304794

About Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre:

The Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre is a child-centered non-profit organisation established in 2016 to prevent child sexual abuse and to provide access to care, information, protection, and emergency intervention for children who have experienced abuse or who are at risk. Cece Yara provides psycho-social, legal, and medical support for children through a 24-hour free child telephone helpline (0800 800 8001). To learn more, please click the button below.

About Zero Abuse Project:

Zero Abuse Project is a 501(c)(3) organisation committed to transforming institutions in order to effectively prevent, recognise, and respond to child sexual abuse. With a focus on programs designed to provide cross-disciplinary education and training, advocacy for systemic legal change, guidance for survivor support, and leadership on emerging technologies, Zero Abuse Project strives to create a world where every child is protected from abuse and exploitation. Learn more at

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