The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing the rate of child labour and other harmful practices affecting children, while also calling for the safe release of students and teachers currently in captivity in Oyo State.
This formed part of discussions at the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration held in Ondo State, where government officials, stakeholders, teachers, parents and pupils gathered to celebrate children
The event featured activities such as march past competitions involving 50 schools, cultural displays reflecting local content and talent exhibitions by children with special needs.
Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, said the state remains committed to policies and programmes that promote the welfare, education and protection of children from child Labour.
According to the governor, the celebration was beyond a ceremonial gathering, describing it as “a day of reflection, renewed commitment and collective responsibility toward the welfare, protection, education and development of every child in Ondo State and Nigeria at large.”
He noted that the state government has sustained free education policies in public primary and secondary schools to ensure that no child is denied access to education because of financial constraints.
“For the past years we have been able to pay for the secondary school students WAEC and NABTEB fee, this is part of our EASE agenda”
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Seun Osamaye, said the government is making deliberate efforts to reduce the statistics of child labour, abuse, trafficking and out-of-school children in the state.
She said the theme of the celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” serves as a reminder that every child deserves equal opportunities regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity or socioeconomic background.
“We are working hard to ensure that our children are protected from child labour and other harmful practices. Most communities face challenges such as child abuse, trafficking, bullying, child labour, out-of-school children, violence and neglect, but in Ondo State, we are doing everything possible to reduce these challenges”
Also speaking, wife of the governor, Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, during the event call for prayers and support for children and teachers currently held captive, including students abducted in Oyo State.
She described the situation as painful and heartbreaking, urging Nigerians to continue remembering the victims and security personnel working for their release.