The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, in collaboration with other agencies, recently organized a road walk in Minna, Niger State to raise awareness about the hazards of child labour, marking the 2024 World Day Against Child Labour. The event, which commenced at the Obasanjo complex and concluded at Labour House, aimed to sensitize the public on the detrimental effects of child labour.
Representing the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Hauwa Zakariya, Controller at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Niger, emphasized the significance of the day in highlighting the dangers associated with child labour. She called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to combat this societal issue and ensure that children are afforded their rights to education, life, and recreation.
Onyejeocha underscored the ministry’s commitment to enrolling out-of-school children and equipping them with skills. She also acknowledged specific communities where children are deprived of educational opportunities, noting that the event served as a platform to educate parents and the public about the importance of ending child labour.
The minister commended the Niger State government and all stakeholders for their efforts in addressing child labour and urged continued collaboration to eradicate this “cancer” from society. Halima Ibrahim from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals, and Ibrahim Gana, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress in Niger, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the urgent need for vigorous action against child labour.