Stakeholders in Ondo State have urged the government and relevant agencies to intensify the fight against child labour and forced labour. The call was made through stricter enforcement of child protection laws, better inter-agency coordination, and robust economic support for vulnerable families.
The appeal was issued during a stakeholders and media town hall meeting themed “Advocating for Communities Free of Child Labour and Forced Labour”. The event brought together representatives from government ministries, international organisations, security agencies, traditional institutions, labour unions, and civil society organisations.
Olanike Mogboruko, State Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, described child labour and forced labour as severe threats that deprive children of their future and undermine national development. She noted that the initiative provided a vital platform for collective action, reaffirming the ministry’s dedication to building communities where children can access education, enjoy their childhood, and pursue aspirations while adults engage in decent work.
Tackling poverty and supply chain vulnerabilities
Celine Oni, National Project Coordinator of the International Labour Organisation’s ACCEL Africa project, highlighted targeted interventions addressing child labour in cocoa and artisanal gold mining supply chains. These efforts incorporate social protection, occupational safety, and livelihood support. Identifying poverty as a primary driver of child labour in rural communities, she stressed the urgent need to expand economic opportunities for vulnerable households.
Oni announced partnerships with microfinance banks, health insurance schemes, and vocational training institutions to boost household incomes and equip young people with employable skills. Furthermore, she advocated a unified child labour monitoring and reporting system across the state to streamline the identification, documentation, and response to exploitation cases.
Community engagement and the role of civil society
Martin Mary Falana, founder of the Kids and Teens Resource Centre, called for a united front involving community and religious leaders, civil society groups, trade unions, parents, and the media. According to him, public awareness and grassroots engagement are essential to eradicating the practice, urging stakeholders to embrace their shared responsibilities.
”Child labour is not an issue that can be addressed by an individual alone. It requires collective responsibility. We must all stand up against it and say no to child labour,” Falana stated.
Amplifying advocacy through media and local partnerships
Speaking on breaking the cycle of child labour through social advocacy, Olaronke Olajide recounted disturbing scenes in communities where young girls were reportedly deployed to cocoa farms before dawn, demanding immediate intervention. She identified radio jingles, billboards, school outreaches, and community forums as powerful instruments for shifting public attitudes.
Olajide also detailed successes achieved through local partnerships, including the registration of vulnerable individuals in social protection programmes, expanded town hall meetings, strengthened Local Labour Monitoring Committees, and the rescue and vocational training of exploited minors. Leke Adegbite, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ondo State Council—represented by Ayodeji Alabi—hailed the meeting as timely and challenged stakeholders to convert its recommendations into practical results. He reaffirmed the media’s unwavering commitment to championing child protection and spotlighting issues affecting vulnerable children across the state.
Government commitment and actionable recommendations
Mefun Tophas, Director of Child Development in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, affirmed the state government’s resolve to eliminate child labour and keep children off the streets. He disclosed that 84 children had been enrolled in the state government’s care programme, with approximately 58 receiving primary, secondary, and tertiary education, while others undergo vocational training. Tophas credited this progress to collaborative support from the government, philanthropists, and non-governmental organisations.
However, he expressed deep concern over school-age children hawking and engaging in street trading during school hours. He urged all stakeholders to unite in safeguarding young people, describing them as future leaders deserving of proper learning and development opportunities.
BusinessDay reports that participants concluded that sustained community awareness, rigorous law enforcement, universal access to education, robust social protection, and economic empowerment are indispensable to eliminating child labour in Ondo State.
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