Sept. 17, 2025
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) recently held a one-day Co-Parenting Support Workshop for separated couples with the theme: “Two Homes, One Heart.”
According to the State government in a statement on Wednesday, the event brought together 30 couples who were commended for prioritising the emotional well-being of their children despite personal differences.
The Executive Secretary, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, represented by Ms. Bunmi Orekoya, noted that the workshop was designed to equip parents with tools, guidance, and community support to help them navigate the challenges of co-parenting.
The workshop featured sessions on key aspects of co-parenting, with Mr. Dosunmu Habeeb, Deputy Director, Family Social Services, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, facilitating the discussion on understanding co-parenting while the topic on ‘The importance of Effective Communication’ was addressed by Dr. Tolu Oko-Igaire, Executive Director, of The Chartered Institute of Counselling Nigeria, who was represented by Ugorji Tochi, a counsellor at the institute.
The facilitators stressed that co-parenting requires patience, empathy, and compromise, while also highlighting the dangers of poor communication, which can cause stress, anxiety, and behavioural issues in children.
Participants were encouraged to adopt strategies such as keeping discussions child-centred, using respectful language, and leveraging modern tools like co-parenting apps and shared calendars.
Mr. Adeoye emphasised that custody and maintenance remain binding responsibilities under Nigerian law, with child welfare as the primary consideration in all decisions.
The interactive programme also featured breakout sessions where participants shared personal experiences and challenges, ranging from lack of communication and financial neglect to stigma and restricted access to children. Proposed solutions included therapy, effective communication, and professional guidance.
Panellists and facilitators stressed that both parents remain obligated to safeguard their children’s welfare, and that failure to do so could attract legal consequences.
The workshop concluded with a call for healing, renewed commitment, and the pursuit of amicable, child-focused parenting, with DSVA reaffirming its commitment to supporting families on this journey.
