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ILO Calls on Stakeholders to Double Efforts to End Child Labour
ILO Calls on Stakeholders to Double Efforts to End Child Labour
By: Michael Mike
International Labour Organisation (ILO) has called on stakeholders to double their efforts and strengthen their unity to end child labour in Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub-region.
The call was made in a statement on Thursday issued to mark the World Day Against Child Labour and the 25th anniversary of the adoption of ILO Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour.
In his statement on the day, the Director of ILO Abuja Country Office for Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, and Liaison office for the ECOWAS, Ms Vanessa Phala asked all stakeholders to double their efforts and strengthen their unity to end child labour in Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub-region.
Speaking at the commemorative event held on 12 June 2024 in Akure Ondo State, Phala said: “I call on everyone here today to strengthen our unity in our fight against child labour and forced labour. We must strive to ensure that every child in the world can flourish in a safe and nurturing environment. Let us work together to make a change in the world.”
Funded by the United States Department of Labour through the ILO Action against Child Labour in Agriculture in West Africa (ACLAWA) and Global Accelerator lab (GALAB) projects in Nigeria, the commemoration was attended by over 350 students from 40 schools in Ondo State.
Phala, represented by the ACLAWA Project Manager, Agatha Kolawole, further urged all stakeholders to fulfill their commitments to Convention No. 182. The World Day Against Child Labour, according to her, was meant for the effective implementation of those ILO Conventions, reinvigorated action to end child labour, and universal ratification and implementation of both conventions.
The Director noted the urgency to fully implement these fundamental ILO Conventions is more pressing than ever, as the world and indeed Nigeria, approach the 2025 target set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG target 8.7) for the elimination of child labour.
“Balancing education and work poses complex challenges, emphasizing the importance of concerted efforts to eradicate child labor and ensure access to quality education for all.” Phala added.
The Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Ondo State, Mrs Olanike Mogboruko, urged all stakeholders to remember that every child deserves a childhood free from exploitation and filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
She acknowledged that. “Child labour remains a pervasive problem that affects over 160 million children worldwide. These children are often deprived of their basic rights to education, health, and a safe and nurturing environment. We must strengthen our efforts and collaborate across all sectors to create sustainable solutions.”
Representative of the children, Akinwoye Olawale, a student at Sharon Rose College, Okitipupa local government area, called for the enforcement and strengthening of laws and policies that prohibit child labour.
He made reference to Section 2 of the Child’s Rights Act 2023 which states, “A child shall be given such protection and care as is necessary for the well‐being of the child, taking into account the rights and duties of the child’s parents, legal guardians, or other individuals, institutions, services, agencies, organisations or bodies legally responsible for the child.”
The commemoration of the 2024 World Against Child Labour in Nigeria started on 11 June with Akure neighbourhood sensitisation walk by ILO and partners.
ILO Calls on Stakeholders to Double Efforts to End Child Labour
KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development
By: Michael Mike
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently support the Ministry of Livestock Development in getting its office ready.
The association decried that nearly eight months after the establishment of this crucial ministry, the renovation of the permanent office allocated to it for its operations is yet to be started, noting that this delay has impeded the
implementation of essential policies and programmes aimed at promoting the livestock sector and its value chains across Nigeria.
KACRAN, in a statement on Saturday, signed by its National President, Hon. Khalil Bello said: “When the Ministry was established on July 9, 2024, we, Nigeria’s pastoralists, viewed it as a long-awaited answer to our prayers and a significant step towards addressing over 50 years of
neglect in the livestock sector.
“However, the lack of progress since then has been disheartening, preventing the Ministry from fulfilling its critical role in ensuring food security and contributing to
the national economy.
“Currently, the Ministry functions more as a Directorate of Animal Husbandry Services, lacking the resources and infrastructure necessary for it to operate independently and effectively.
“Despite the critical nature of its mission, the allocated office space/building remains unrenovated and a timeline for starting the renovation or completion has not been provided. This situation severely hampers the ability of the Honorable Minister, Permanent Secretary, Directors and staff to coordinate effectively and execute
their responsibilities.
“Moreover, the financial resources allocated to the Ministry for the 2025 fiscal year are
insufficient for the Ministry to achieve its objectives.
“KACRAN is deeply concerned that without immediate attention to these challenges, the foundational goals of the Ministry will remain unattainable. As the political landscape evolves, it is vital that the focus remains on policy timely implementation rather than allowing the future of this very important Ministry to be muddling through uncertainties.
“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the renovation and operation of the Ministry’s office so that the Honourable Minister and staff can effectively promote and develop the livestock sector.
Additionally, we implore the President to invest significantly in the livestock
sector, for enabling the Ministry to actively engage in ensuring food security, enhancing the nation’s GDP, and reducing heavy reliance on imported milk and food products, which costs Nigeria billions of
dollars annually.
“Finally, KACRAN expresses gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing Professor Muhammadu Attahiru Jega as an Advisor on Presidential Livestock Reform Programmes. We hope that under his
guidance, the Ministry can achieve its goals and bring tangible benefits to Nigeria’s pastoralists and the wider population.”
KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development
Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed robbers attacked Government Secondary School Yashe in Kusada Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing one night watchman and injuring another before escaping with a solar inverter.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 5:00 a.m. when the hoodlums stormed the school and assaulted the security guards with machetes.
One of the watchmen, Abdullahi Sanusi, 50, died on the spot, while his colleague, Aliyu Ahmed, 65, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Kankia General Hospital for treatment.
Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack
Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Kaduna have rescued a former Executive Chairman of Kaura Local Government Area, Seimon Matthias, from a kidnap attempt at his Kagoro residence.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred on February 14 at about 11:00 p.m. when an unspecified number of kidnappers stormed Matthias’ residence, shooting sporadically in an attempt to abduct him.
However, the sound of gunfire attracted the attention of police officers and other security operatives stationed nearby, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
The assailants, overwhelmed by superior firepower, abandoned their victim and fled to the mountains.
Police said the victim was rescued unhurt, and a joint operation involving the Army and Kaduna Vigilante Service (KadVS) was ongoing to flush out the criminals from the surrounding bush areas.
Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home
KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development
Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack
Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home
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