Abdulsalami Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan, President of the UNESCO Read and Earn Federation (UNESCO REF), has called for a concerted national and international effort to eliminate child labour.
Speaking in an interview on Thursday in Abuja, Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan noted the significance of this year’s World Day Against Child Labour coinciding with Nigeria’s Democracy Day, describing the occurrence as both symbolic and instructive. He observed that both commemorations share a common theme centred on the protection of human rights.
According to him, genuine democracy must prioritise the protection and empowerment of children.
“Today goes beyond symbolism; it is a call to action,” he said. “The convergence of these two observances compels us to reflect on the society we are shaping. Democracy should not be limited to elections and institutions it must uphold the rights, dignity, and future of our children.”
Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan described child labour as a persistent and urgent challenge in Nigeria and globally, one that deprives millions of children of their right to education, security, and a meaningful future.
He warned that the continued prevalence of child labour undermines Nigeria’s developmental aspirations and the global commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8.7, which calls for the eradication of child labour in all its forms.
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He called for increased political will and urged President Bola Tinubu to scale up efforts under the “Renewed Hope” agenda by aligning national policies with the UN’s sustainable development framework.
“Eliminating child labour is not merely a policy imperative it is a moral and democratic obligation,” he asserted. “We must strengthen educational systems, provide economic support to vulnerable families, and safeguard every child from exploitation.”
He further emphasised that meaningful progress would require strong multilateral partnerships with the United Nations, humanitarian agencies, grassroots organisations, and education advocates.
According to him, such stakeholders must collaborate to develop innovative solutions that address the root causes of child labour, including poverty, lack of access to education, and insufficient social protection systems.
While acknowledging the Nigerian government’s existing initiatives to combat child labour, Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan stressed the need for greater urgency and inclusivity.
“This Democracy Day must serve as a catalyst for transformative change,” he stated. “We envision a future in which no child is subjected to labour and every young Nigerian is free to learn, aspire, and flourish.”
He concluded by stating that the true measure of democracy lies not only in the casting of ballots but in the opportunities and protections it guarantees for the most vulnerable members of society.
“Let our democracy be a beacon of justice and equality. The world is watching, and now is the time for us to unite in building a nation where childhood is safeguarded, and the promise of a better future is realised,” he said.
