Children’s Day: Ondo govt moves against child abuse, trafficking

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating child labour and other harmful practices affecting children, while also calling for the safe release of students, teachers and parents currently held captive in parts of the country.

The renewed commitment was made at the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration in Ondo State, where government officials, stakeholders, teachers, parents and pupils gathered to celebrate children and advocate for their protection, welfare and inclusion in society.

Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, said the present administration in the state remained committed to policies and programmes aimed at protecting children from child labour and ensuring access to quality education.

He described the celebration as more than a ceremonial gathering, saying it was “a day of reflection, renewed commitment and collective responsibility towards the welfare, protection, education and development of every child in Ondo State and Nigeria at large”.

The governor noted that the state had sustained free education policies in public primary and secondary schools to ensure that no child was denied access to education because of financial difficulties.

He added that the government had continued to pay WAEC and NABTEB examination fees for secondary school students under its EASE agenda, disclosing that over 2,000 teachers had been recruited into public schools to improve learning outcomes and bridge manpower shortages.

He further stated that the government had continued to revitalise educational infrastructure through classroom renovations, provision of instructional materials, and supply of furniture and learning equipment.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Seun Bosede Osamaye, said the state government was intensifying efforts to reduce cases of child labour, abuse, trafficking and the growing number of out-of-school children across the state.

She explained that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child”, underscored the need to provide equal opportunities for every child, irrespective of gender, religion, ethnicity or social status.

Osamaye noted that many communities continue to grapple with challenges such as child abuse, bullying, trafficking, violence, neglect and child labour.

She stressed that the government remained committed to tackling the problems through policies and interventions aimed at protecting children.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure that children are protected from child labour and other harmful practices.

“Despite the various challenges facing many communities, the Ondo State Government is doing everything possible to reduce these social vices and guarantee a better future for every child,” she said.

Also speaking, the wife of the governor, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, called on Nigerians to continue praying and supporting efforts to secure the release of children and teachers currently in captivity, including students abducted in Oyo State.

Describing the situation as painful and heartbreaking, she urged citizens not to relent in remembering the victims and security personnel working tirelessly for their rescue.

“Today’s Children’s Day celebration also reminds us of other children still being held captive. Let us continue to pray for their quick release because no child deserves to go through such an experience,” she said.

She further appealed to Nigerians to support the President, governors and security agencies in ongoing efforts to rescue children, teachers and parents held captive in different parts of the country.