As Nigeria marks the 2025 International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, the Edo State government has renewed its pledge to safeguard children’s rights and enforce labour laws designed to protect them.
Mr Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, stated in an interview on Wednesday that the state has rolled out various measures to ensure children grow up in safe, nurturing environments.
Among these initiatives is the domestication of the Child Rights Act, providing a robust legal framework to protect minors.
In 2017, Edo inaugurated a Family Court dedicated to resolving child-related cases swiftly, preventing undue exposure or exploitation.
The government prosecutes parents or guardians of children found begging during school hours, supporting the policy that every child in Edo must be in school.
Although exact prosecution numbers were not immediately available, Itua pointed out that the Ministry of Education under Governor Okpebholo has launched campaigns to combat sexual abuse and other threats facing young girls.
Counselling units have been introduced in schools to educate pupils about gender-based violence and encourage prompt reporting of abuses.
Efforts to promote youth development through initiatives like EdoJobs aim to reduce young people’s vulnerability to illegal migration, human trafficking, and forced child labour.
Chief Olabisi Idaomi, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, detailed a comprehensive programme targeting street children in Benin City.
She identified two groups: children living on the streets and street child beggars. The ministry, working with NGOs, has held outreach sessions in key areas to reach these vulnerable children.
Idaomi underlined the ministry’s dedication to supporting women, children, and other vulnerable groups through psychosocial aid, trauma healing, and monitoring of orphanages and crèches.
She also mentioned ongoing collaborations with national and international organisations, including NAPTIP and IOM, to combat trafficking and child labour, as well as partnerships with grassroots NGOs like Girls’ Power Initiative.
Mr Pius Oiwoh, former chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association Benin branch, praised the state’s progress in fighting child trafficking and commended the family courts’ strict adoption regulations.
However, he expressed concerns about the lack of enforcement regarding street children exploited for begging and street vending, especially around Holy Cross Cathedral in Benin City.
Oiwoh urged greater government intervention, including shelter provision, education, and prosecution of exploiters.
“From my observation, the Edo State Government remains devoted to protecting children’s rights and securing their future,” he said.
