Aiyedatiwa seeks united action against child abuse, trafficking

The Ondo State Government has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to enhance child protection systems across the state amid rising cases of child abuse, trafficking, bullying and other social vices affecting children.

The call was made on Friday in Akure by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, during a stakeholders’ engagement organised ahead of the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration.

Osamaye said the engagement formed part of activities lined up for the May 27 Children’s Day celebration in the state, describing the annual event as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect the welfare and future of children.

She expressed concern over persistent challenges such as child abuse, neglect, trafficking, child labour, abandonment and poor access to quality education, saying they continue to threaten the future of children and require urgent intervention from stakeholders.

Osamaye said, “The theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Future now: promoting inclusion for every Nigerian child,’ is a strong call to action for all stakeholders to work together in ensuring that no child is left behind, regardless of gender, disability, socio-economic background, religion or ethnicity.

“This stakeholders’ engagement is organised to strengthen collaboration, encourage dialogue and develop strategies for a successful Children’s Day celebration, while advancing advocacy for children’s rights.”

The commissioner commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, his wife, Oluwaseun, and other stakeholders for their continued support for child welfare and protection in the state.

She added that the Aiyedatiwa administration remained committed to policies and programmes aimed at strengthening child protection, improving access to education and healthcare, and promoting social inclusion across the state.

Osamaye urged parents, schools, communities, faith-based organisations and other stakeholders to work collectively towards creating a safe and enabling environment for children.

“As we celebrate our children, let us remember that the future we desire begins with the investment we make in them today,” she said.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Igbekele Ajibefun, described the theme of the celebration as timely and instructive, while commending the Ministry of Women Affairs for its sustained efforts in addressing issues affecting children and women in the state.

Ajibefun, represented by his Special Assistant, Yomi Akinrinmade, stressed the need for policies focused on child healthcare, safety, access to quality education and skills development in line with global standards for 21st-century children.

He also called for strengthened security measures in schools, noting that stakeholders must work together to ensure children are protected and included in national development.

The Ondo state government has in recent months intensified advocacy on child rights protection and social inclusion through community-based programmes and collaborations with relevant agencies and stakeholders.