A renewed call for collective action to safeguard Nigerian children took centre stage at the launch of a book tilted, “Child Protection and Social Work Practice in Nigeria,” a new book written by Dr. Marcella Cole. The event drew academics, social workers, government representatives, and child welfare advocates, all united by a shared concern for the state of child protection in Edo State and the country in general.
The book, which examines the structures, challenges, and future of child protection and social work practice in Nigeria, goes beyond theory. It is rooted in lived realities and driven by a practical mission to make a difference.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Cole explained that her motivation for writing the book was deeply personal and shaped by what she has witnessed in communities across the country.
“The rationale behind writing this book came about when I observed the way a lot of children are being abandoned, nobody to cater to their educational needs,” she said. “You know that education is the bedrock of human development, hence I decided to write this book with the intention of using the proceeds to build a school for the Cole Orphanage and members of the community in that neighbourhood.”
Dr. Cole noted that neglect and lack of access to quality education remain major problems in many areas. According to her, too many children are left without support or opportunity.
“I observed that a lot of children in several neighbourhoods are being neglected, with most of them unable to access quality education and nobody to cater to their educational needs,” she added. “I feel if they have a school they can attend free of charge, they’ll be empowered and out-of-school children will be reduced.”
Proceeds from the book, she announced, will go toward establishing a school that will serve children in the Cole Orphanage as well as others in the surrounding community, offering free access to education as a pathway to empowerment.
Reviewing the book at the event, Dr. Emmanuel Egharevba described it as both timely and necessary, stressing that child protection in Nigeria requires more than goodwill.
“Evidently there’s still a lot to be done for our children by way of welfare, by way of protection, by way of funding of the NGOs that are involved in all of these,” he said. “The orphanages for instance, the government has to support them to be able to do that which is right.”
Dr. Egharevba emphasized that while non-governmental organizations and private individuals play important roles, they cannot shoulder the burden alone.
“The book points to one direction, the profession – child protection – has to be uplifted,” he said. “We are not talking about charity, we are not talking about things that will not quite raise the profile, but we’re talking about the involvement of government, we’re talking about the involvement of private individuals who have the resources.”
He painted a sobering picture of the realities facing many Nigerian children.
“A lot of our children have no access to good education, they have no access to health facilities, have no access to the benefits of good governance,” he said. “Our children are still being killed by malaria, our children are still suffering from all kinds of ailments; so government has to do a lot. Private individuals and NGOs cannot do it alone, government has to support them.”
While calling for sustained advocacy and scholarship in the area of child welfare Dr. Egharevba appealed, “We pray that more people like the author will come up to write more books to sensitise the government as to the needs of the children,” he said.
Attendees at the launch pledged support for the project and for broader reforms in child protection practice. For many present, the book is more than an academic contribution. It is a practical step toward ensuring that vulnerable children are seen, supported, and given a fair chance at education and a healthier future.
With its blend of research, advocacy, and direct social impact, “Child Protection and Social Work Practice in Nigeria” stands as both a professional resource and a call to action.