The Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has called for intensified efforts to protect children from exploitation and all forms of child labour, insisting that every child deserves a safe environment to learn, grow, and realise their full potential.
Dr Soludo made the call in a message to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour, themed “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults,” stressing that children should be allowed to enjoy their childhood, access quality education, and pursue their dreams without being exposed to conditions that threaten their future.
The Anambra First Lady said the theme highlights the urgent need for governments, institutions, families, and communities to work together to end child labour while promoting decent livelihoods for adults and sustainable opportunities for families.
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In a statement, she described child labour as a violation of fundamental human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development, noting that no child should be subjected to labour that compromises their education, health, dignity, or overall well-being.
She urged governments, communities, families, faith-based organisations, and other stakeholders to strengthen collaborative efforts aimed at tackling the social, cultural, and economic factors that expose children to exploitation and abuse.
According to her, every child deserves the freedom to learn, dream, play, and grow in an environment that guarantees safety, protection, and hope for a brighter future.
Dr Soludo emphasized that caring for children extends beyond providing food, shelter, and education, adding that children flourish when they are surrounded by love, guidance, encouragement, and emotional support.
She said families and communities must deliberately nurture children with values that promote self-confidence, discipline, compassion, and a strong sense of belonging, describing such efforts as essential for raising responsible future leaders.
The governor’s wife further underscored the need for sustained investment in children’s welfare, education, healthcare, and protection, noting that societies that prioritize the well-being of children are better positioned to achieve lasting peace, prosperity, and development.
“As we observe the World Day Against Child Labour, let us renew our collective commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and welfare of every child. We must continue to create opportunities that allow our children to thrive while addressing the challenges that expose them to exploitation,” she noted.
Dr Soludo described child labour as “not just a crime against humanity, but a crime against conscience and faith,” urging citizens to reject practices that rob children of their childhood and limit their opportunities in life.
She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting policies and initiatives that promote child protection, quality education, healthcare, and overall well-being, while calling on Nigerians to work together to build a society where every child is valued, protected, and empowered to succeed.
