The President of UNESCO Read and Earn Federation (UNESCO REF), Prince Abdulsalami Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan, has called for increased investment in education and child protection programs to help eradicate child labour.
Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan made the call in an interview with reporters on Friday in Abuja, to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day and the International Day Against Child Labour.
He described education and child protection as vital components of national development and security.
He emphasized that child labour remains a major challenge in Nigeria and other developing countries, depriving millions of children of access to education and personal growth opportunities.
According to him, children involved in street hawking, mining, and hazardous work are often exposed to vulnerabilities that could hinder their future contributions to society.
Citing UNICEF figures, he noted that 10.2 million Nigerian children are out of school, while many others engage in various forms of labour that threaten their health, safety, and education.
Globally, nearly 138 million children aged 5–17 are trapped in child labour, with the International Labour Organization estimating that 54 million of these are involved in hazardous work that endangers their health.
The UNESCO REF president said addressing child labour requires a coordinated approach involving government agencies, development partners, civil society, and local communities.
He urged the federal government to introduce innovative ideas that align the Ministries of Information, Culture, and Humanitarian Affairs in designing programs to promote child welfare, education, and community development.
“Democracy is built on participation, inclusion, and opportunity. Yet child labour silences millions of voices before they can be heard. Protecting children is not only a social responsibility but also an investment in the nation’s future. Nigeria’s greatest asset is its people, and efforts to safeguard children today will help build a more prosperous and stable society tomorrow,” he said.
Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan called for increased investment in education—such as improving learning facilities, teacher training, and access to quality schooling for vulnerable children.
He also advocated for stronger social protection programs for families facing economic hardship, noting that poverty is a key driver of child labour.
He urged international organizations, donor agencies, and development partners to continue supporting Nigeria through technical assistance, funding, and collaborative initiatives aimed at improving child welfare.
He emphasized the importance of community-based programs that empower families and local leaders to promote school enrollment and discourage practices that expose children to exploitation.
Furthermore, he called on authorities to strengthen the enforcement of laws and policies that protect children from hazardous labour and exploitation.
He stated that safeguarding children’s rights is essential for sustaining democratic values and ensuring inclusive development.
“The eradication of child labour is not a distant goal—it’s an urgent necessity. Nigeria must strengthen laws, enforce accountability, and prioritize education as part of its national security strategy.”
Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan urged all stakeholders to collaborate in creating opportunities for every child to access education and reach their full potential.
He concluded that the success of any democracy is reflected not only in its institutions but also in its ability to secure a productive future for its youth.
