By Adegbenro Barakat Opeyemi (SIWES Student, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic)
The Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Ify Obinabo, revealed that the case emerged when vigilant traders apprehended a young boy selling water during school hours at Ochanja market. Obinabo, determined to combat child labor, summoned the boy’s grandmother and assured the victim’s protection under state care.
Emphasizing the state government’s commitment, Commissioner Obinabo pledged to prosecute all child labor offenders, urging parents to leverage the free education provided by the Chukwuma Soludo-led government. The 7-year-old victim shared that his grandmother compelled him to sell water for sustenance.
This distressing scenario underscores the challenges faced by many Nigerian families, resorting to child labor due to economic hardships. The 7-year-old, a primary 2 student, described walking 6 km daily to sell water, revealing the dire effects of poverty and neglect on children.
The child disclosed earning N2000 daily, primarily used for purchasing essential food items. Compassionate traders, bringing the case to Commissioner Obinabo’s attention, contributed N10,200 for the boy’s school enrollment.
Commissioner Obinabo praised the Ochanja Market Union’s proactive involvement and encouraged others to follow suit in safeguarding vulnerable children.
