HFDI Joins ILO, Federal Ministry of Labour to Say “Red Card to Child Labour” in Osun
..Students Sensitised on Rights, Education at National Children’s Congress…
The Hope for Family Development Initiative, HFDI, with support from the International Labour Organization, ILO, participated in the National Children’s Congress organized by the Federal Ministry of Labour, Osun State.
The event which held on Monday September 15, 2026 was themed “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Education for Adults”, and focused on the National Child Labour Policy and Action Plan Towards 2030.
Speakers at the congress emphasised that child labour is not just about children working, but about situations where children are denied fundamental rights to education, safety, play and healthy development.
Participants were urged to speak up when they experience or witness abuse and exploitation. Organisers stressed that eliminating child labour requires collective responsibility from government, families, communities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
HFDI contributed to the engagement by joining discussions and supporting the sensitisation of students on child labour, children’s rights and the importance of education.
In an interactive session with the Osun State Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour, students shared their understanding of child labour and discussed how education can shape their future outcomes.
Group discussions and presentations reinforced the need to keep children in school and provide safe environments where they can learn, play and grow.
HFDI said its participation strengthened collaboration with government and stakeholders working towards the elimination of child labour, and provided insights into implementation priorities of the National Child Labour Policy and Action Plan Towards 2030.
The engagement also reinforced HFDI’s commitment under ACCEL Africa Phase II/END Child Labour to advocacy, child protection, education and community-level action against child labour.
The organisation noted that the congress increased awareness among students on children’s rights and the consequences of child labour, while giving children a platform to express their views and understand their role in speaking up against abuse and exploitation.