Ondo Children’s Parliament Calls For Stronger Action Against Child Labour
By Awodeyi Aduramigba
Child parliamentarians in Ondo State have called for stronger enforcement of child protection laws, improved institutional capacity, enhanced inter-agency collaboration and increased investment in child welfare programmes to combat child labour, abuse and insecurity across the state.
The call was made during the sitting of the Ondo State Children’s Parliament held at the Ondo State House of Assembly Complex, Akure, to commemorate the World Day Against Child Labour and the Day of the African Child.
The event was organised by the Ondo State Steering Committee on the Elimination of Child Labour in collaboration with Save the Children International ,International labour organization (ILO)and Terre des Hommes (TDH), bringing together child legislators, government officials, development partners and stakeholders committed to the protection of children’s rights.
Presiding over the sitting, the Speaker of the Ondo State Children’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Gift Olamide Poroye, urged governments, ministries and stakeholders to continue supporting programmes initiated by the Children’s Parliament, noting that children deserve a seat at the table whenever decisions affecting their future are made.
She appealed to local governments and relevant ministries, particularly the Ministries of Women Affairs, Labour, Health, Information and Works, to provide sustained support for child-centred initiatives, adding that investing in children is an investment in the future of Ondo State.
The Speaker also highlighted the need for operational equipment such as laptops, projectors, telephones and public address systems to enhance the effectiveness of parliamentary activities and information dissemination among child legislators.
During deliberations, parliamentarians debated a series of motions bordering on child labour, insecurity, weak implementation of child protection laws, inadequate institutional capacity, poor law enforcement and the need for greater coordination among agencies responsible for child welfare.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Ifunaya Chukwura, while moving a motion on a matter of urgent public importance, observed that despite the existence of child protection laws, many children continue to suffer abuse, exploitation and hazardous labour due to weak enforcement and inadequate implementation.
She lamented that rescued child labour victims often return to exploitative situations because relevant sectoral laws on education, healthcare and social welfare are not fully implemented to support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Seconding one of the motions, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adesola Samuel, identified poverty, inadequate funding, weak enforcement mechanisms and poor access to education as major factors sustaining child labour in many communities.
Similarly, Hon. Jemima Babatope, representing the children of Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Constituency, called for increased labour inspections, stronger child protection systems, the establishment of child-friendly reporting mechanisms and improved access to quality education through scholarships and targeted support programmes.
Other child lawmakers expressed concern over the low level of enforcement of child labour laws, noting that despite clear legal provisions prohibiting hazardous work for children, many minors are still engaged in farming, street hawking and other dangerous occupations across the state.
The child parliamentarians from the 26 constituencies of the state unanimously advocated stricter sanctions against offenders, improved monitoring systems, increased public awareness campaigns and the establishment of functional child protection units in all local government areas.
They also urged government agencies to strengthen security around schools and communities, provide adequate resources for labour inspectors and social workers, and ensure the prompt investigation and prosecution of child labour and child abuse cases.
The children further stressed the need for stronger collaboration among ministries, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and development partners to create an effective and coordinated response to child labour and child protection challenges.
At the end of the sitting, members adopted several resolutions, including strengthening child protection structures in all local government areas, improving law enforcement, increasing funding for child protection agencies, promoting child-friendly reporting systems and enhancing collaboration among relevant institutions.
The parliamentarians maintained that child labour, abuse and insecurity remain serious threats to children’s development and called on government, parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to work collectively towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for every child in Ondo State.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, the Clerk of the House, Barrister Benjamin Jaiyeola, congratulated members of the Children’s Parliament for providing a platform through which the voices of children could be heard.
Barrister Jaiyeola urged the child legislators not to regard the parliamentary sitting as a mere exercise but as a serious leadership responsibility. He encouraged them to develop practical ideas and legislative proposals capable of improving the lives of children across the state.
According to him, the Ondo State House of Assembly remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote children’s welfare and would give due consideration to any child-focused legislative proposals presented through appropriate channels.
He further encouraged the Children’s Parliament to hold its sittings regularly and continue advocating on issues affecting children, noting that the resolutions reached during the sitting would contribute significantly to policy formulation and legislative action in the state.
The Clerk commended the Ondo State Steering Committee on the Elimination of Child Labour, development partners and all stakeholders for creating opportunities for children to participate in governance and contribute meaningfully to discussions on issues affecting their future.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, who represented the Commissioner, Dr Mrs Bosede Osamaye, commended the children for their courage and commitment to issues affecting their peers.
She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to child protection, welfare and development, assuring participants that the government would continue to partner with stakeholders and development organisations to eliminate child labour and promote the rights of every child in the state.
The State Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and Chairman steering committee on the elimination of child labor,Mrs Mogboruko Olanike, commended the Ondo State Children’s Parliament for demonstrating exceptional leadership, confidence and commitment in addressing issues affecting children.
She described the resolutions reached during the sitting as thoughtful and timely, noting that they reflected a deep understanding of the challenges confronting children in society.
Mrs Olanike reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to supporting initiatives aimed at eliminating child labour, protecting children’s rights and promoting their overall welfare. She urged stakeholders at all levels to work collaboratively towards creating a safe, inclusive and enabling environment where every child can thrive and realise his or her full potential.
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