PREAMBLE
Ondo State Steering Committee for the Elimination of Child Labour held its quarterly review meeting on the 7th of July 2022. The committee of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) gathered to review the activities implemented to end Child Labour.
The chairman of SSCCL and Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr Folayan Amos appreciated members present. In his opening remarks, he commended the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Government of the Netherlands. Particularly for selecting Ondo State as a beneficiary in the Acceleration Action for the Elimination of Child labour – ACCEL Africa project.
Furthermore, he highlighted the advocacy drive by the committee to key stakeholders. Such as, the commissioner of the Ministry of Women affairs and Social Development. In addition, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget.
Without a doubt, he noted that the ministries were happy about the vision and efforts made to end child labour. Apart from this, he praised their readiness to collaborate with SSCCL.
Mrs. Folashade Bamigboye, the Executive Director of Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC) and Secretary to the SSCCL read the minutes of the previous quarterly review meeting and she suggested minutes be sent to everyone’s emails ahead of the meeting.
MATTERS ARISING
The committee deliberated on the need for jingles in local languages to communicate the message of ending child labour. In addition, emphasized on the branding of uniforms used in advocacy to strengthen the visibility of the project.
Furthermore, the Chairman gave a report on the event that occurred on the 4th of May. A representative of SSCCL, informed the Governor of Ondo State of five communities involved in the ACCEL Africa project. In addition, briefed the Governor on ongoing work towards empowering the youths and parents in the communities.
The CEO of Restoration of the Dignity of Womanhood; (ROTDOW) Mrs. Omolona, suggested the compilation, publishing and sharing of team members phone number to CSOs and community members. She explained that this will facilitate quick access to help lines, which in turn lead to prompt response to any case of child labour reported.
Help lines include:
Mr O M Afolayan – 08034242901
Miss. Adedoyin Adebisi – 08134602023
Mr. Taiwo Otoki – 08137351888
Mr Emmanuel Adaramola – 08033550288
Mrs Faboyo, from the NSCDC suggested empowerment for survivors and victims of abuse that are vulnerable. Mrs. Folashade responded that they can be assisted if they are from the ACCEL Africa project communities and the NSCDC could also refer directly to K&TRC and ROTDOW for direct support.
The meeting gave room to also plan for the next line of actions by the committee such as advocacy, sensitization and policy influencing to end child labour for good.