Day Against Child Labour: Advocate Urges Federal Gov’t To Prioritise Children’s Rights, Education

Lawyer and child rights advocate, Wisdom Umina Sumuko, has called on the Nigerian Government to intensify efforts toward protecting children, expanding access to quality education, and eliminating child labour across the country, stressing that millions of Nigerian children continued to be denied their fundamental rights.

The call was contained in a statement released on Friday to commemorate the International Day Against Child Labour and signed by Sumuko, founder of the Wisdom Umina Sumuko Foundation.

Speaking on the significance of the global observance, Sumuko said every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe environment free from exploitation, lamenting that child labour continues to deprive millions of children of their rights to education, health, protection, and development.

“The observance of the International Day Against Child Labour serves as a reminder that governments, communities, and stakeholders must renew their commitment to safeguarding children and addressing the root causes of child labour, including poverty, inequality, insecurity, and limited access to education,” he said.

As part of activities marking this year’s observance, the Wisdom Umina Sumuko Foundation carried out educational outreach programmes at Presbyterian Church of Nigeria Primary School 1, Usumutong, in Abi Local Government Area, and Government Primary School, Okuni West, Emorrow Village, Ikom, both in Cross River State.

The outreach programme featured the distribution of learning materials to pupils, payment of school levies for vulnerable children, and community sensitisation campaigns aimed at creating awareness about the dangers of child labour and the importance of education.

Sumuko explained that the initiative was designed to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds while encouraging school enrolment and retention.

He noted that despite ongoing interventions by governments and other stakeholders, poverty and harmful cultural practices continue to prevent many children, particularly those in rural communities, from accessing quality education.

“The future of every nation depends on the well-being of its children. No child should be forced to sacrifice education and childhood in order to survive. We must create an environment where every child can attend school, acquire knowledge, and realize their full potential,” he stated.

The child rights advocate urged the Federal Government to increase investment in the education sector, improve access to quality and affordable education, especially in underserved communities, and strengthen social protection measures for vulnerable families.

He also called for the strict enforcement of child protection laws and the prosecution of individuals who exploit children through child labour and other harmful practices.

“Those responsible for the exploitation of children must be held accountable. The law must be enforced without fear or favour to protect children from abuse, exploitation, and deprivation of their rights,” he said.

Sumuko further advocated stronger collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations (CSOs), traditional institutions, schools, parents, and community leaders to tackle child labour and promote the welfare of children.

He reiterated that ending child labour is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative, stressing that the future of the country depends on how well it protects its children.

“Children belong in classrooms, not workplaces. As a nation, we must renew our commitment to protecting every child’s right to education, dignity, safety, and a brighter future,” he said.

He called on all Nigerians to support efforts aimed at ending child labour and ensuring that every child enjoys a childhood defined by learning, opportunity, dignity, and hope.

Sumuko maintained that protecting children from exploitation and guaranteeing access to education remain critical steps toward building a more inclusive and prosperous society.