The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, in collaboration with other agencies, organized a road walk in Niger State to raise public awareness about the dangers of child labor.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Mrs. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, stated that the road walk was held to commemorate the 2024 World Day Against Child Labour.
The minister was represented by Hauwa Zakariya, Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Niger.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the road walk began at the Obasanjo Complex in Minna and concluded at Labour House.
Onyejeocha stated that the day was dedicated to raising public awareness about the dangers of child labor.
She urged the public to intensify efforts to eradicate this menace and called on stakeholders to unite in the fight against child labor in society.
She emphasized the importance of ensuring that all children have the right to education, a safe living environment, and recreation.
The minister revealed that some communities had been identified for preventing children from attending school, and the event was used to educate parents on this issue.
Onyejeocha emphasized that the ministry would spare no effort in enrolling out-of-school children and helping them acquire skills.
She praised the Niger State government and stakeholders for their efforts in accelerating the elimination of child labor in the state.
In their separate remarks, Halima Ibrahim from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals, and Ibrahim Gana, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress in Niger, described child labor as a cancer that must be vigorously fought.
NAN
