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ILO Promotes Elimination of Child Labour in Mining

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ILO Promotes Elimination of Child Labour in Mining

By: Michael Mike

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Builds the Capacities of Stakeholders on Occupational Safety and Health and Elimination of Child Labour in the Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Supply Chains in Niger and Osun States.

In the effort to combat child labour in Nigeria’s artisanal small-scale gold mining supply chains, the ILO ACCEL Africa Project (Accelerating Action for the Elimination of Child Labour in Supply Chains in
Africa), held significant workshops from February 18 – 27, 2025, in Niger and Osun States.

The workshops aim was to empower Stakeholders and representatives from Government, Employers, Workers organisations and community leaders, to eliminate child labour and uphold best
practices in OSH in the ASGM sector in Niger and Osun States.

In addition, Members of Community
Child Labour Monitoring Committees (CCLMCs) in the States were equipped with the necessary skills and tools to enforce Community Action Plans (CAPs), monitor and report on child labour cases, and
carry out interventions effectively.

The Director, ILO Country Office, Dr. Vanessa Phala, represented by the National Project Coordinator of the ACCEL Africa Phase II Project, Mrs. Celine Oni, stated that the objective of the workshop is to
enhance capacities of stakeholders and institutions involved in the fight against child labour.

Participants discussed and demonstrated skills and knowledge to effectively develop, advocate and implement policies and strategies aimed at eradicating child labour.

The ACCEL Africa project firstly, is working with relevant stakeholders such as the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and members of the National Steering Committee on the Elimination of Child labour. The projects outcome is to strengthen institutions to develop and implement policies for the eradication of child labour in the cocoa and ASGM sector.

The second outcome is to address the root causes of child labour through innovative and evidence-based solutions in the supply chains (cocoa and ASGM) are institutionalized. This outcome targets
key thematic areas such as social protection, social finance, occupational safety, health and youth employment, promotion of smooth transitions from school to decent work. “The Durban Call to
Action has emphasized the need to tackle root causes of child labour, which include poverty, lack of access to social protection and Health insurance coverage for the people”.

There is ongoing research by the Project on social protection modalities and coverage, youth employment opportunities in Nigeria. It is expected that the research results and findings would guide the interventions in Niger and Osun.

The Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE) in Niger State, Hauwa Zakariyya, said “occupational safety and health is everyone’s business, and it should never be underestimated. When safety is neglected, accidents are bound to occur. In every respectable
workplace, safety measures are observed to prevent casualties while performing our duties.”

“And that is why we find it very, very important that ACCEL Africa project is focusing on artisanal mining to prevent incidents as what occurred in the Kuchiko community, where accidents resulted in
many casualties, particularly involving children. We believe it’s essential to educate miners to enhance safety and avoid such tragedies in the future”.

On his part, the State Controller for the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Osun State, Mr. Solomon Ayinde Alabi, expressed his gratitude for Osun State’s inclusion in the Phase II project, noting that although the state was not fully integrated in Phase I, it would now benefit from the
experiences gained in other regions such as Ondo and Niger States, where the project has already shown positive outcomes.

“I am aware that Osun State was not fully integrated in the Phase I of the project, I want to thank the team for the full integration of Osun State into the second Phase of the project. With success reports
from Ondo and Niger States, I am sure that Osun State will equally record great successes.

“One good pointer to the impacts of the project in our state is the report coming from Ibala community. It is pleasing to report that cases of out of school children in the community has been drastically reduced to almost zero level. This is good news is credited to the activities of the CCLMC
in the community.

“I wish to remind and appeal to us as parents, guardians, and community to make the best use of this opportunity to intensify our commitment in fighting against the menace, child labour in our respective communities. We are expected to know and share the knowledge to others so that the
goal of the project can be achieved”.

As part of the workshop activity, the participants visited artisanal mining fields in their various states for onsite observations of the mining practices, noting the tools, equipment, processes and identification of inherent hazards. Additionally, they had discussion with local miners, children onsite
and other stakeholders.

During an interview with children on the field, 13 years old Lawali Yusufa from Korokwa mining field in Minna, stated that the reason why he is mining is to be able to make money. “I am working here because my parents cannot afford to sponsor me through school so, I want to make enough money so that I can start going to school just like my mates. I know that the mining field is very dangerous especially for children like me, but I still want to continue working here because it is the only way I
can make money” Lawali said.

In Idoka mining field, Osun, 11 years old Ibrahim said his dream is to become a miner when he grows up and that is why he works there as an errand boy. “I work here as an errand boy because I want to learn how to mine for gold when I grow up. Even though I’m often chased out of the field, I still insist
on returning because it is my dream,” Ibrahim said.

Meanwhile, the training participants were divided into teams for a group activity to discuss the OSH
risks at the mining site, conditions of work compared to the best practices and decent work expectations, and present what they’ve learned from the workshop.

The training initiative is expected to significantly improve the ability of these committees to act as the first line of defense in the fight against child labour in Nigeria’s cocoa and gold mining sectors.

ILO Promotes Elimination of Child Labour in Mining

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RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State

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RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State


…Making it the 20th State to Benefit from the Support

By: Our Reporter

The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Food Outreach Program, launched in Abuja in March 2024 to provide monthly support to vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities, has reached Yobe State—making it the 20th state to benefit from the initiative.
Since its inception, the program has covered Abia, Adamawa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Oyo, Plateau, and Sokoto States before arriving in Yobe.
With generous support from the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) and another industrialist who prefers to remain anonymous, assorted food items were delivered, bringing relief to many households, particularly those with disabilities.


The First Lady and Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, noted that donors provide two truckloads of food items to each beneficiary state for onward distribution. Represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, she highlighted Yobe as a major beneficiary of RHI programs and interventions.
These include:

  • The Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economists Empowerment Program, which supported 500 women with ₦50,000 each.
  • The RHI Women Agricultural Support Scheme, where 20 women received ₦500,000 each.
  • A ₦68.9 million grant from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to the Young Farmers Club.
  • Annual financial support to senior citizens, with 100 beneficiaries receiving ₦100,000 each in 2023 and 250 beneficiaries receiving ₦200,000 each.
  • A ₦50 million financial grant to 1,000 petty traders.
  • The Women in ICT Program, aimed at empowering women in the digital economy.
    According to Senator Tinubu, these interventions are designed to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
    Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni represented by his Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the initiative, noting that the state has aligned with RHI through various empowerment programs for women, children, and vulnerable groups. These include the distribution of household items, skill acquisition schemes, and post-insurgency recovery programs that have economically empowered many women.

  • The State Coordinator of RHI and Wife of the Yobe State Governor, Hajiya Hafsat Kollere Buni, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for extending such impactful support to Yobe State. She also looked forward to stronger collaborations to further project the ideals of RHI and improve the lives of the people.
    Also present at the event was Dr. Ubong Udoh, Managing Director of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, one of the key donors to the program.
  • RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State
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Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

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Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

By: Zagazola Makama

Former National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), has warned that Nigeria’s fight against insurgency will remain elusive without national cohesion and a united front across society.

Monguno stated this in Abuja on Thursday at the launch of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He said Boko Haram and other violent groups had thrived by exploiting Nigeria’s divisions, stressing that disunity among citizens, political actors, and institutions weakened the country’s capacity to defeat terrorism.

“Without national cohesion, insurgency will not end. Terrorists feed on our fault lines – ethnic, religious, political – and they weaponise them against us. If we remain divided, no amount of military might will deliver lasting peace,” Monguno said.

He urged Nigerians to rise above parochial sentiments and embrace a spirit of patriotism, solidarity, and common purpose. According to him, the fight against insurgency must go beyond the battlefield to include reconciliation, justice, and inclusive governance.

The retired General emphasised that the scars left by Boko Haram were not just physical but also psychological and social, making unity a vital condition for national healing.

“The book reminds us that security is not just the work of soldiers. It is the responsibility of leaders, institutions, and citizens. Unless we build cohesion, insurgency will continue to mutate in different forms,” he added.

Monguno commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his experience, describing the work as a guide that combines history, strategy, and national lessons for the future.

The event was attended by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, diplomats, and senior government officials.

Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

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Kukah says military operations alone cannot end insurgency, stresses soft power approach

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Kukah says military operations alone cannot end insurgency, stresses soft power approach

By: Zagazola Makama

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has said Nigeria cannot defeat insurgency through military operations alone, stressing the need to embrace soft power and address root causes of insecurity.

Kukah made this known in Abuja on Thursday while reviewing Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He said the country’s reliance on military doctrines and repeated counter-insurgency operations had failed to produce lasting peace because Boko Haram represented an ideology, not just an armed threat.

“For years, we have had Operation Lafiya Dole, Operation Restore Order, Operation Hadin Kai, Operation Safe Haven, and many others. Yet, when one operation fails, another is launched. These operations have not ended the insurgency because you cannot fight an idea with weapons alone,” Kukah said.

The cleric argued that describing the insurgency only in military terms forecloses other sources of information and non-kinetic solutions that are critical to peacebuilding.

According to him, Boko Haram’s struggle is framed as a jihad, and many of its fighters see death as martyrdom, making them indifferent to conventional deterrence.

“The challenge before us is not merely about defeating insurgents on the battlefield, but about understanding the soft issues of life and death. Guns cannot build peace; soft power must complement military power,” he said.

Kukah pointed to chapters 11, 12 and 13 of Irabor’s book, which emphasise reconciliation, good governance, justice, and national healing as critical conditions for security.

He praised the author’s reflections for going beyond military strategy, describing them as “the writings of a priest” that call for dialogue, reforms and moral renewal.

The bishop added that Nigeria must prioritise structural reforms, political inclusion, patriotism, and judicial integrity to tackle grievances that feed extremism.

“The urgency now is to invest in soft power – in human development, reconciliation, and building trust in institutions. Military operations can only create space; it is ideas and justice that will sustain peace,” Kukah said.

The event attracted former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, senior government officials, service chiefs, diplomats, and other dignitaries.
End

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