Abuja: Abdulsalami Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan, President of UNESCO Read and Earn Federation (UNESCO REF), has called for unified national and global action to end child labour. Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja. He highlighted the symbolic coincidence of World Day Against Child Labour and Nigeria's Democracy Day, emphasizing that both events share the theme of rights and protection of people's rights.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan stressed that genuine democracy must prioritize the protection and empowerment of children. He stated that the concurrence of these commemorations challenges society to reflect on the kind of future being built. He emphasized that democracy should not only focus on elections and institutions but must also protect the rights, dignity, and future of children.
Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan pointed out that child labour remains a pressing challenge in Nigeria and globally, depriving millions of children of their right to education, safety, and a meaningful future. He warned that the persistence of child labour undermines Nigeria's development goals and the global commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8.7, which aims to eliminate child labour in all its forms.
He called for stronger political will and urged President Bola Tinubu to enhance efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda by aligning national policies with the United Nations framework for sustainable development. Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan emphasized that ending child labour is not merely a policy issue but a moral and democratic responsibility, advocating for investments in stronger educational systems, economic support for vulnerable families, and ensuring the safety of every child from exploitation.
He also highlighted that achieving real change requires multilateral partnerships with the United Nations, humanitarian groups, grassroots organizations, and educational advocates. These stakeholders, he noted, must collaborate to create innovative solutions addressing the root causes of child labour, such as poverty, lack of access to education, and inadequate social protection.
While acknowledging the Nigerian Government's existing efforts to eradicate child labour, Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan stressed the need for greater urgency and inclusiveness. He urged that Democracy Day serve as a catalyst for transformative action, envisioning a future where no child is forced into labour and every young Nigerian is free to learn, dream, and thrive.
According to him, true democracy is measured not just by ballots cast but by the opportunities and protections afforded to its most vulnerable. He called for democracy to stand as a beacon of justice and equality, stating, "The world is watching-and it is time we rise together to build a nation where childhood is protected and the promise of a better tomorrow is fulfilled."