The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has decried the unabating child labour plaguing Nigeria.
The former Governor of Anambra State bore his mind on Wednesday while marking the World Day Against Child Labour.
Taking to his verified X handle @PeterObi, the politician had tweeted: As the global community commemorates the World Day Against Child Labour today, I like to add my voice against all forms of child labour and exploitation of our children in our society.
This day reminds us that our children must be protected, their human rights respected and their future invested in.
In Nigeria, we must restate our commitment to combating child labour which remains a serious societal issue that, if left unchecked, will continue to harm our children, interfere with their education, and prevent their overall development.
Sadly, our nation ranks among the 10 countries with the highest rates of child labour in the world.
A National Bureau of Statistics report states that 39.2 per cent of our children are in child labour and 22.9 per cent of children are involved in hazardous work.
The report further asserts that four out of every ten children in Nigeria are trapped in child labour, therefore, putting the children and the future of society at risk.
Investment in the critical areas of development especially education and pulling people out of poverty remains the surest way of combating child labour.
With over 18 million out-of-school children roaming the streets in Nigeria, and the continuously growing rate of poverty in the nation, it is not surprising that Nigeria ranks high in incidents of child labour.
Investing in the future of our children is investing in the future of our society. I therefore restate our commitment to upholding the dignity of our children, investing in their future and protecting them from all forms of economic and social exploitation,
as we build the New Nigeria where our children will live, thrive and fulfil their dreams. A brighter future for our children in a New Nigeria is possible. -PO
