By Deji Abdulwahab
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) says it has signed a formal agreement with
International Labour Organisation (ILO) to join forces in the campaign to eliminate child labour in the country.
The information is in a statement issued in Abuja by the agency’s Assistant Director, Press, Mr Paul Odenyi.
Odenyi said that the Director-General of NOA, Dr Garba Abari and the Country Director of ILO in Nigeria, Vanessa Lerato Phala signed the agreement in Abuja.
He stated that the partnership covers the implementation of the National Social Behavioural and Communication Change strategy under the Accelerating Action for the Elimination of Child Labour in supply chains in Africa (ACCEL Africa).
“This is a project funded by the Dutch government. The Accel Africa project in Nigeria aims to eliminate child labour in the Artisanal Gold Mining and Cocoa Farming sectors in Nigeria.’’
He added that the director-general, while signing the document, expressed the agency’s commitment to implement a grassroots programme that would raise awareness among stakeholders and modify behaviour within the focal communities of the project.
“NOA Chief said the project supports the Federal Government’s overall goal of giving access to education for all children in the first twelve years of their lives.
“The Agency will deploy its grassroots structure, which include presence in 36 states and the 774 local council areas in Nigeria, to enlighten citizens on the dangers of child labour generally.’’
Odenyi said “the ILO, according to the agreement, will support the institutional capacity of the NOA’s Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs) and other relevant officers to implement programmes aimed at creating awareness among communities.
“NOA, on its part, will implement National Behavioural and communication strategy in these local communities as part of their culture and orientation process;
“It will also mainstream public awareness programmess on child labour as part of the general public enlightenment schedule of the Agency.
“And implement specific programmes jointly designed by both the NOA and Accel Africa that will lead to the reduction of child labour issues in Nigeria.’’
According to him, the Accel Africa project in Nigeria is focused on three states of Ondo, Osun and Niger.
“This also aligns with the Durban Call to Action which hopes to accelerate multi stakeholder efforts to prevent and eliminate child labour, especially worst forms of child labour.
“And end child labour in the agriculture sector; realise the right to education for every child and; achieve universal access to social protection.
“The project is being coordinated in Nigeria by Dr Agatha Kolawole, a leading expert on labour rights in Africa,’’ he said. (NAN)
