Raphael Oyeniyi, 26

Lagos, Nigeria

Raphael Oyeniyi is a child and human rights activist from Nigeria and the Executive Director of TMSI. He champions child safety, climate justice, and community empowerment, advocating for policy reform, movement building and innovative solutions to protect vulnerable children and foster sustainable, inclusive communities.

Current Professional Engagement:

Currently, I serve as the Executive Director of The Momentum Support Initiative (TMSI), a youth-led nonprofit organization committed to child safety, climate action, and the empowerment of marginalized communities in Nigeria. My work focuses on advocating for policies that protect children from violence, abuse, and exploitation, while also implementing community-driven initiatives that promote safeguarding and resilience. I collaborate with stakeholders, train local advocates, and develop awareness campaigns to address child sexual violence. Additionally, I engage in climate justice efforts, recognizing the intersection between environmental sustainability and children's well-being. This role allows me to drive systemic change, ensuring safer communities for vulnerable communities.

What inspires your work on ending childhood sexual violence?

I am driven by a deep commitment to protecting children from harm. Having witnessed the lasting impact of child sexual violence on young people in my community, I am inspired to advocate for prevention, justice, and healing, ensuring that every child grows up in a safe, supportive, and empowered environment.

One highlight from your experience in the SPROUT fellowship

One highlight was during the in-person meeting, where I connected with fellow advocates, we shared our stories and collaboratively built a guide for future movements on childhood safety. This experience reinforced the power of collective action in driving sustainable change to protect children from violence and exploitation.

Connect with Raphael on Instagram and LinkedIn