By Tola Gbadamosi

The International Labour Organisation (ILO), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, has organised a two-day workshop on social protection research and a pre-field stakeholders’ engagement for the State Steering Committee on the Elimination of Child Labour in Ondo State.

The workshop, held at Ijapo Estate in Akure, the state capital, is part of efforts to scale up action under the Accelerating Action for the Elimination of Child Labour in Supply Chains in Africa (ACCEL Africa) Phase II initiative.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the National Project Officer of the ACCEL Africa project at the ILO, Mrs Lydia Eke, said: “We are currently implementing Phase II of the ACCEL Africa project in Ondo State, and the state has so far performed remarkably well.

“They have taken ownership of several interventions, but more work still lies ahead. The theme for the 2025 World Day Against Child Labour, ‘Progress is Clear, but More Work Needs to Be Done’, reflects the essence of this gathering.

“We must extend support and interventions to more communities. While the project currently targets seven communities- Bamikemo, Aponmu, Ipona Bakogun, Wasimi Odunwo, Agunla, Fagbo 1 and Fagbo 2 – the vision is for Ondo State to take the lead in the South West in eliminating child labour.

“I urge the state to continue on this path and champion the cause.”

In her welcome address, Mrs Olanike Magboruko, the State Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and Chairperson of the State Steering Committee, commended members of the committee for their commitment and contributions to the ILO-ACCEL Africa Project and appreciated the support from the government of the Netherlands.

“On behalf of the Honourable Minister of Labour, I thank the committee members for their tireless efforts in eliminating child labour in Ondo State. I urge everyone to fully participate and contribute meaningfully to the success of this workshop.

“I am hopeful that the committee will sustain the momentum in eradicating child labour from our communities and across the state.”

Also speaking was Mr Segun Olorunfemi, a Consultant to the ILO, who explained the essence of the workshop.

He noted that it was part of the efforts under the ACCEL Africa project to build the capacity of Community Child Labour Monitoring Committees.

“One of our main goals is to encourage the State Steering Committee to take full ownership of the project,” he said.

“The community-based committees have already developed an action plan for the seven project communities, and we expect the state committee to validate and adopt the plan for implementation and oversight.

“Given the structure of the programme, the state committee is responsible for ensuring child labour becomes a thing of the past in our communities.

“It is also important to strengthen the link between the state committee and the community-based teams. This ensures the necessary support and guidance are provided where needed.”

Olorunfemi further noted that many members of the State Steering Committee are key stakeholders within the state, particularly from government agencies.

“We want strong collaboration. For example, when issues like lack of schools arise, rather than relying solely on advocacy letters, these concerns can be addressed through direct coordination between stakeholders.

“This synergy will help us build a better, child labour-free future for our communities.”