Abuja: The President of UNESCO Read and Earn Federation (UNESCO REF), Prince Abdulsalami Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan, has called for increased investment in education and child protection programmes as part of efforts to eradicate child labour.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan made the call during an interview in Abuja to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day and the International Day Against Child Labour. He emphasized the importance of education and child protection as vital components of national development and security. He highlighted child labour as a significant challenge in Nigeria and other developing countries, which deprives millions of children of education and personal development opportunities.
Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan expressed concern over the plight of children engaged in street hawking, mining, and other hazardous activities, which expose them to vulnerabilities that could hinder their future societal contributions. Citing figures from UNICEF, he pointed out that 10.2 million Nige
rian children are out-of-school, with many involved in various forms of labour affecting their health, safety, and educational prospects. Globally, nearly 138 million children aged 5-17 are trapped in child labour, with 54 million engaged in hazardous work, according to the International Labour Organisation.
The UNESCO REF president stressed the need for a coordinated approach involving government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, and local communities to address child labour. He urged the Federal Government to introduce fresh ideas that synchronise the Ministries of Information, Culture, and Humanitarian Affairs in designing programmes aimed at promoting child welfare, education, and community development.
Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan highlighted that democracy is built on participation, inclusion, and opportunity, but child labour undermines these principles by silencing millions of voices before they can be heard. He described protecting children as not only a social responsibility
but also an investment in the nation’s future, asserting that Nigeria’s greatest asset is its people, and safeguarding children will help build a more prosperous and stable society.
He advocated for increased investment in education, including learning facilities, teacher development, and improved access to quality schooling for vulnerable children. He also called for stronger social protection programmes for families facing economic hardship, noting that poverty is a key driver of child labour. He appealed to international organisations, donor agencies, and development partners to support Nigeria’s efforts through technical assistance, funding, and collaborative initiatives to improve child welfare.
Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan emphasized the need for community-based programmes that empower families and local leaders to promote school enrolment and discourage practices exposing children to exploitation. He urged relevant authorities to strengthen the implementation of existing laws and policies designed to protect
children from hazardous labour and other forms of exploitation.
In conclusion, he stated that safeguarding children’s rights is essential to sustaining democratic values and ensuring inclusive national development. Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan called on all stakeholders to work together to create opportunities for every child to access education and realise their full potential, noting that the success of any democracy is reflected not only in its institutions but also in its ability to provide a secure and productive future for its younger generation.