In commemoration of the 2025 World Day Against Child Labour, a sensitisation program themed “Empowering Children: Education Over Exploitation” was held in Ado-Ekiti.
The event was organized by the Future Builders Club of Nigeria in collaboration with the Save the Boy Child Initiative.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Peju Babafemi, represented by Mr. Tolu Oguniyi, urged Ekiti students to “avoid exploitation, rather get educated.”
She highlighted various forms of child exploitation, including child labour, trafficking, emotional and physical abuse, and sexual abuse.
The Commissioner further emphasized the protective laws and initiatives put in place by the Ekiti State Government to safeguard children. She encouraged the students to share the knowledge gained with peers outside the school community.
Speaking on behalf of the organizing bodies, Mr. Jegede Olukayode, a member of the Future Builders Club of Nigeria, reiterated that “education is not a luxury, but a right.”
He stressed the power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and urged students to embrace learning with enthusiasm, discipline, and curiosity.
The Principal of Ado Grammar School, Mrs. Adenike Ademiluyi, expressed profound gratitude to both organizations for bringing such a meaningful and enlightening program to the school.
She acknowledged and appreciated prominent alumni of the school, including Mr. Abiodun Olofe, President of the Future Builders Club of Nigeria, and Mr. Jegede Olukayode, for their commitment to giving back and supporting educational advocacy.
To mark the occasion, the students were presented with writing materials, which they received with joy and excitement.
In an interview, the Head Boy, Badmus Caleb, expressed appreciation on behalf of the student body, stating that they now felt better informed and were ready to serve as ambassadors against child labour in their communities.
Addressing the press, Mr. Abiodun Olofe, President of the Future Builders Club of Nigeria, affirmed that the goal of the program is to empower children through education and protect them from exploitation.
He disclosed that the initiative would become an annual campaign, reaching more schools across Ekiti State and beyond.
In the ssme vein, Miss Andifon Umoh, founder of the Save the Boy Child Initiative, emphasised the shared mission of both organisations to educate, empower, and protect children from all forms of exploitation.
She commended the success of the program and called for ongoing collaboration with schools to ensure sustained advocacy and child protection.
