By Adeyinka Adeniran
In a bid to tackle the menace of child labour, the Oyo State Steering Committee, in collaboration with various organizations and NGOs, on Wednesday facilitated a one-day meeting to brainstormed and develop solution in the state.
The event, centered around disseminating a comprehensive compendium in observance of World Day Against Child Labour, aimed to tackle and minimize the challenge.
In his remarks, the State Controller of the Oyo State Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment Mr. Igbinosun Festus, emphasized the compendium’s critical role in combatting child labour.
“Our primary goal is to significantly reduce the prevalence of child labour by rescuing children from the streets and engaging them meaningfully,” he affirmed.
Mr. Festus highlighted the effective partnership between Oyo State and collaborating entities, emphasizing their concerted efforts in addressing challenges such as child prostitution.
“This compendium will have a profound impact as it reaches key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Women Affairs, immigration authorities, NGOs, NABTEB, and NCDC,” Mr. Festus added.
Dr. Gregory Egbadon, Executive Director of the Galilee Foundation in Ibadan, outlined the extensive activities undertaken during the World Day Against Child Labour.
“We conducted media engagements, school awareness programs, and community outreach initiatives, all orchestrated by the Oyo State Steering Committee on Child Labour,” he explained.
Dr. Egbadon noted that these efforts reached 32 schools and approximately 19,000 students, emphasizing the importance of educating children about their rights and the dangers of child labour.
“Under child rights law, every child is entitled to education, and it is crucial to safeguard these rights,” Dr. Egbadon stressed.
He further highlighted the collaborative approach involving various stakeholders within the steering committee, including civil defense, police, immigration, and both state and federal government agencies.
The Galilee Foundation continues its advocacy by conducting weekly school visits to educate students about child labour, trafficking, and sexual exploitation.
“We provide toll-free helplines for children facing these issues, empowering them to seek assistance,” Dr. Egbadon concluded, underscoring the foundation’s commitment to protecting children’s rights across Oyo State.
