Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has vowed that his administration will continue to partner with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other organizations aimed at waging war against child labour and comb out of school trend.
He said it is part of his administration’s focus to ensure that the elimination of child labour is achieved in the state.
The governor stated this at the presentation meeting of the CAP Document for State and Local Government Authorities held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi, the governor described child labour as a violation against children’s fundamental rights, hindering their potential as future leaders.
The governor, who declared the 2-day workshop opened, described it as a risky situation for a country with 50 percent of children that are out of school.
Aiyedatiwa, who commended ILO efforts through the Action Against Child Labour in Agriculture in West Africa (ACLAWA), expressed his administration’s commitment against all forms of child labour.
He said he will leave no stone unturned to ensure children have access to better education rather than engaging in child labour.
While explaining the importance of agriculture as a means of sustainability for the growth of the economy, Aiyedatiwa pointed out that his government has given priority to the agriculture and education sectors through financing.
He called on local government officers to keep the state government informed where its attention is needed, particularly for the renovation of dilapidated public schools, the health sector at the local government level, and advocacy against child labor.
Speaking, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Olayato Aribo, called on all stakeholders to have all hands on deck for the full implementation of the outcome of the programme.
He said the present government in Ondo State has started the recruitment process of teachers for effective teaching in public primary and secondary schools in the state.
According to him, “The issue of boreholes and water is being addressed by the state government with the construction of 700 rural roads.”
On the lack of health workers at the local council, he assured prompt intervention by the health ministry to look into the situation.
Aribo added that the government will give its best in the training of cocoa farmers as well as giving them concentration to have yielding cocoa farm products.
The 10 communities benefited from the Action against Child Labour in Agriculture in West Africa (ACLAWA) project with the presentation of Community Action Plans (CAP) including Ala, Amuren, Asolo, Bagbe, Bajare, Ero/Mariwo, Igunshin, Iju dada, Orisunmibare, Bapie/Paranta, and Tejugbola-Gberiwojo.
In an address, the Country Director of the ILO, Dr Vanessa Phala represented by ACLAWA ILO, Project Manager, Dr. (Mrs.) Agatha Kolawole, called on government entities at the state and local government levels, organizations, enterprises, development workers, academia, civil society, and the media to strengthen the organization’s fight against child labour and forced labour.
