In a bold move to tackle declining moral values and promote positive behaviour among children and residents, the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area has trained teachers, parents, religious leaders, healthcare professionals and community stakeholders on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and emotional intelligence.

The one-day capacity-building workshop, held on Friday, July 24, was organised by the council under the leadership of the Executive Chairman, Dr Hon. Seyi Jakande, in partnership with the International Training Centre for Applied Behaviour Analysis (ITC-ABA) Nigeria.

The training focused on equipping participants with practical behaviour management skills, emotional intelligence and evidence-based strategies needed to build a stronger moral value system across schools and communities.

Experts at the workshop stressed that early intervention, evidence-based practices and proper nutrition are critical to helping children with developmental and behavioural challenges, while urging stakeholders to replace punishment and stigma with understanding and professional support.

Speaking with Mushines News, Jakande said his administration is determined to strengthen moral consciousness among schoolchildren and residents through continuous community engagement.

He said the council expects participants to apply the knowledge gained from the workshop by promoting appropriate behaviour and using emotional intelligence to resolve conflicts and encourage responsible conduct within their neighbourhoods.

"Our administration is committed to strengthening awareness of moral behaviour among our school children and residents. We expect participants to put the Applied Behaviour Analysis skills they have learnt into practice by engaging members of the community on proper moral behaviour through emotional intelligence so that people can relate with one another in the most appropriate ways," Jakande said.

Also speaking, the President of the Association for Applied Behaviour Analysis in Nigeria, Professor Bosede Asikhia, said the training became necessary after identifying widespread gaps in how parents, teachers and caregivers respond to children exhibiting challenging behaviours.

According to her, many children are often punished or labelled instead of being guided through scientifically proven behaviour modification techniques.

She explained that the workshop was designed to expose participants to the principles and theories of Applied Behaviour Analysis, enabling them to understand behaviour formation, encourage positive change and provide better support for children and families.

Asikhia urged participants to become ambassadors of ABA in their communities by promoting awareness, encouraging inclusion and applying the skills in their daily interactions.

She added that equipping community leaders with behaviour management techniques would not only improve child development but also foster peaceful coexistence, stronger family relationships and a more value-driven society.