Expressing his concern as a responsible citizen and advocate for intellectual development, Ladigbolu urged President Tinubu to take decisive action and adopt strategic approaches to combat child labour.
He highlighted the global nature of the problem and expressed dismay that it continues to persist despite its inherent dangers.
Ladigbolu drew attention to the staggering figure of an estimated 250 million children engaged in labour worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for collective efforts to address the issue, as the majority of these children should be in school.
He emphasised the importance of studying the factors contributing to child labour in different states and communities, enabling the formulation of comprehensive action plans to tackle the root causes of this problem in Nigeria.
"The issue of child labour in Nigeria is on the rise, and its patterns are changing. It is crucial to consider the underlying factors that drive children to scramble for income to meet their immediate needs," Ladigbolu stated.
The call by UNESCO REF serves as a reminder of the imperative to prioritise the welfare and education of children, safeguarding their rights and ensuring their access to quality education. Efforts to eradicate child labour require a multi-dimensional approach involving cooperation between government agencies, education stakeholders, and civil society organisations.
(NAN)