Ondo draws attention to surge in incidents of child exploitation and human trafficking as Children's Day approaches

The Ondo State government has expressed concern over the rising cases of child abuse, trafficking, bullying, and other social vices affecting children in the state, highlighting the need for urgent action to protect them.

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At a stakeholders' meeting in Akure, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Seun Bosede Osamaye, called for stronger collaboration to safeguard children, emphasizing that issues like neglect, child labour, and poor access to education threaten their future.

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Osamaye noted that persistent challenges such as child abuse, neglect, trafficking, child labour, abandonment, and poor access to quality education continue to threaten the future of children, necessitating immediate intervention.

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This year's theme, "Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child," serves as a call to ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of their gender, disability, or background, according to Osamaye.

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Osamaye outlined planned Children's Day activities, including a sitting of the State Children's Parliament with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, oratory competitions, talent hunts, cultural displays, and awareness campaigns.

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The education Commissioner, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, echoed the call for stronger collaboration, stressing the importance of stronger school security and inclusive education.

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The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Ondo State, Olayemi Ibiloye, represented by Deputy Commandant Folasade Olakanse, described the theme as a call to action for stakeholders to protect children from rising attacks on schools.

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Ibiloye emphasized the need for collective efforts to safeguard children both in and outside school environments, urging governments, religious organisations, communities, and families to intensify efforts towards protecting children's rights and ensuring inclusiveness.

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In his goodwill message, the Director-General of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, Abiodun Oyeleyin, stated that the state government remains committed to providing quality healthcare services for women and children.

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Oyeleyin disclosed that over 52,000 women and children had benefited from the state's free healthcare scheme since 2019, while more than 20,000 babies had been delivered under the initiative.

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The government will continue to ensure that children with special needs are included in healthcare programmes across the state, according to Oyeleyin.

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Delivering her lecture, the guest lecturer, Bridget Awosika of the Federal University of Education, stressed the importance of promoting and protecting the rights of every Nigerian child, describing children as critical stakeholders in national development.

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Awosika urged parents, teachers, caregivers, and community leaders to provide proper care, education, and support for children, also calling for greater inclusion of children with disabilities and equal opportunities in education and healthcare for all children.

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Awosika emphasized that advocacy for children's rights remains a collective responsibility, stressing the need for parents not to hide children with disabilities but to seek assistance from relevant government agencies and institutions.