The International Labour Organisation (ILO), through its Action against Child Labour in West Africa (ACLAWA), key Stakeholders in collaboration with some communities in Ondo State, have unveiled the 2025 Work Plan, anchored on the validated Comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (CMEP).
This landmark event took place in Akure, the Ondo State capital, following a three-day intensive brainstorming session at a workshop organised by ACLAWA for representatives from ten communities and other key stakeholders across the state.
The initiative is aimed at enhancing community development, particularly by reducing children’s vulnerability to child labour and creating an enabling environment for sustainable growth.
ACLAWA, in partnership with local communities, prioritised interventions to ensure a child labour-free environment and by fostering decent work conditions, the organisation is working towards eliminating child exploitation in these communities.
Dr Agatha Kolawale, Project Director of ACLAWA, while highlighting the importance of the initiative, noted that communities have developed a robust Community Action Plan for the elimination of child labour.
“This document addresses critical areas such as education, livelihood programmes, life skills development, and infrastructure improvement to create a safe and enabling environment for children.”
Kolawole noted that the establishment of Scream Clubs, which bring children and community members together to discuss child labour issues and empower young people with knowledge and skills.
“Our engagement has shown that communities are eager to protect their children. They are now creating environments that enable children to aspire and achieve their potential. This is a significant step forward,” she added.
ACLAWA’s project is strategically aligned with the efforts of government bodies and stakeholders at national, state, and local levels.
“With particular emphasis on the cocoa sector, the initiative aims to eliminate child labour in agriculture while ensuring alignment with the goals of the State Steering Committee, Federal Ministry of Labour, and other relevant agencies.
“At this meeting, we reviewed last year’s achievements and developed an action plan for 2025. The stakeholders have identified actionable steps to implement in the coming year, ensuring ownership of the initiative remains with the communities,” Kolawole said.
A robust monitoring framework is central to the CMEP, Kolawole explained that implementation is driven by stakeholders, including the State Cash Transfer Office, Ministry of Labour, Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), civil society organisations, and community volunteers.
“The Federal Ministry of Labour leads monitoring efforts, supported by labour inspectors, community monitors, and third-party evaluations by donors and the International Labour Organization (ILO),” she explained.
Community leaders and stakeholders expressed their gratitude and commitment to the initiative.
Speaking with Mrs Kemi Mogboruko, the State Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Ondo State who enumerated the need for bringing communities and key stakeholders in the state to adequately deliberate on the 2025 work plan, said “The purpose of bringing us together is to plan for this year. When you plan early, it means you are going to achieve. You are going to be successful.
“This is January, early January. So we are planning. We have already tried to look at the plan for the year. What we are going to do in the elimination of child labour. To make the ACLAWA project successful in the same communities as well as in Ondo State. So that is why we are together. Everybody bringing in their own input. Different stakeholders, relevant stakeholders.
“And to make sure every stakeholder takes ownership of the projects.Takes ownership of the work plan. Every stakeholder will be able to know what is their own quota in achieving the project. In achieving the aim. In making the work plan to be successful for 2025. That’s why we are here.
“Already we have monitoring and evaluation on ground to make sure on a monthly, quarterly basis. We try to assess ourselves. To know whether we are on the right track. Are we really doing what we are told? Are we really achieving? Are we really on the right track? In making sure that the work plan is achieved. So, already all those things have been put in place to make sure we are successful. At the end of the year, we will look back and know that yes, we have done what we are supposed to do.
“My advice to the people of Ondo State is that they are very, very lucky. ILO brought three projects to Ondo State towards the elimination of child labour. At the end of this project, Ondo state people should take ownership of this advocacy. And make sure that child labour is eliminated in the state and in Nigeria as well i appreciate all relevant stakeholders in this advocacy,” she said.
Other stakeholders like the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Prince Leke Adegbite enjoined community leaders to ensure they make use of the proposed work plans in 2025″
“This is highly welcomed development in Ondo state. I would like to appreciate ILO, ACLAWA and other stakeholders over the project of eradicating child labour in our sunshine state.
“We are happy with the organiser and its commitment at ensuring that community leaders were brought together to share their different experiences which are aimed at totally eradicating Child labour in our state.
“As we look forward to a child labour free state, let every citizen in Ondo state should take the ownership of the work plan for more impacts,” Adegbite said.
Also, the Ondo State Council of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Mr. Clement Fatuase appreciated the hard works of ACLAWA in Ondo state urging the community leader to ensure they put all that was discussed in action.
He placed emphasis on the community leaders that what ever assistance given to them should be used adequately as all hands are on deck to eradicate child labour in the state.
According to High Chief Olowookere Fakunle of Asolo Community who spoke on behalf of the communities that participated, he acknowledged the programme’s impact, saying; “For years, we didn’t realise the harm of child labour in rural areas.
“This programme has enlightened us, and we are now using all our resources to fight against child exploitation in our community. We deeply appreciate ACLAWA for introducing this initiative.”
Similarly, Comrade Emmanuel Kolawole of the Child Protection Network (CPN) in Ondo State commended ACLAWA’s efforts, affirming that “This programme equips us with tools to combat child labour, especially in cocoa farming. ACLAWA deserves immense praise for this noble effort.”, he stated.
Mrs Kolawole reassured Ondo State residents that ACLAWA, in partnership with the ILO, remains committed to providing technical support to make the state a child labour-free zone.
“With the support of the government and communities, we are confident of achieving our objectives. The CMEP ensures that every step aligns with our vision for a brighter future for our children,” she concluded.
The 2025 work plan is set to be finalised and approved, paving the way for its implementation.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that collective action will bring significant progress in eliminating child labour across Ondo State.
Communities that participated were Asolo Community, Ala Community, Iludada Community, Bajare Community, Ijusi Community, Bagbe Community, Tejibola Community/Beriwoju Community, Orisimbere /Paranta Community, Ero/Mario Community, Amure Community and all relevant bodies in the state.
