Stakeholders urged to intensify action against bullying across schools, workplaces, leadership spaces
The Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Udo, has called on stakeholders to step up efforts to eliminate bullying, noting that it extends beyond schools to workplaces, sports,
The Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Udo, has called on stakeholders to step up efforts to eliminate bullying, noting that it extends beyond schools to workplaces, sports, and leadership environments.
Udo, who was represented by Sunday Jimoh, made the call at the International Alert Nigeria Stakeholders Engagement on Anti-Bullying in Nigerian Schools, themed “Creating Safe and Inclusive Schools in Nigeria.”
He said the engagement was aimed at identifying gaps, setting priorities, and encouraging collective action to address bullying in a more comprehensive manner.
According to him, although Nigeria passed an anti-bullying bill in 2025, effective implementation remains a major concern.
He explained that International Alert is collaborating with schools to establish Youth Peace Clubs in primary and secondary institutions to promote peaceful coexistence among students.
He added that participants would be trained on the psychological effects of bullying and equipped with conflict resolution skills to address disputes before they escalate to school authorities.
Read Also: Osun 2026: APC candidate Oyebamiji pledges inclusive governance for non-indigenes, interest groups
Udo also noted plans to support schools in creating safe and accessible reporting systems to ensure that victims can seek help promptly, while also empowering young people to identify, resist, and report bullying.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, represented by Mrs. Henrietta HoldGod of the Counselling and Psychosocial Support Unit, said persistent bullying can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal among young people.
He stressed that safer school environments contribute to healthier minds and stronger communities, adding that protecting children from bullying also helps prevent exposure to drug abuse and other harmful behaviours.