The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) ACCEL Africa project, Idoka Chapter, recently held a sensitization program in Osun State to educate parents and community leaders on the dangers of child labour.
The initiative, part of Phase II of the ACCEL Africa Project, aims to eliminate child labour in artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) supply chains across Niger and Osun States.
The sensitisation programme led by Mrs Iyabo Akintokun, Olori of Idokaland, was held at St Peters Anglican Primary School, Kiloru, Idoka, Osun State.
During the programme, parents were urged to prioritize their children’s education and well-being over economic pressures that drive child labour.
Olori Akintokun noted that the Osun State government strongly oppose child labour and is committed to totally eradicate the act.
She revealed that the government will closely monitor parents who involve their children in artisanal mining.
“Children are supposed to be in school during school hours and not engage in petty trading or be seen at mining sites.
“Any child that doesn’t want to go to school should be encouraged to learn valuable skills which will help them to be useful to the community and not engage in thuggery or criminal acts,” she said.
Olori Akintokun revealed that the state is collaborating with security agencies to arrest and prosecute parents whose children engage in child labour.
Community residents hailed the initiative as a positive step that helps to ensure brighter future for the children.
The 2022 Nigeria Child Labour Survey reported that 39.2% of children aged 5-17 in Nigeria are engaged in child labour, totaling over 26 million children.