The Federal Ministry for Labour and Employment, in conjunction with other agencies, has organised a road walk in Minna, Niger, to sensitise the public to the hazards of child labour.

The Minister of State, Labour and Productivity, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, remarked that the road walk was to commemorate the 2024 World Day Against Child Labour.

The minister was represented by Hauwa Zakariya, controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Niger.

The road walk started at Obasanjo complex in Minna and terminated at Labour House.

Ms Onyejeocha said the day was set aside to sensitise the public on the dangers associated with child labour.

She called on the public to intensify to eradicate the menace and the need for the stakeholders to join hands in the fight against child labour bedevilling society.

“Our expectation is to see that all children are given the right to education, right to live, and right to recreation,” she said.

The minister disclosed that some communities had been identified for depriving children of going to school, adding that the event has been used to sensitise the parents.

Ms Onyejeocha said the ministry would leave no stone unturned in its efforts to enrol out-of-school children in school and engage them in acquiring skills.

She lauded the Niger government and the stakeholders involved in accelerating action for the elimination of child labour in the state.

In their separate remarks, Halima Ibrahim, from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals, and Ibrahim Gana, chairman of the Trade Union Congress in Niger, described child labour as a cancer that must be fought vigorously.

(NAN)