The wife of Rivers Governor, Valerie Fubara, has called for collaborations among stakeholders to tackle child labour and trafficking.

Mrs Fubara made the call on Monday while speaking at an event to mark the 2024 Children’s Day celebration in Port Harcourt.

She said that child labour and trafficking were hampering healthy growth, development and the overall well-being of children.

The governor’s wife further said that more efforts were needed to ensure an effective campaign against child labour and trafficking.

“I urge relevant government agencies to step up the campaign against this twin evil in the interest of the safety and future of our children. Parents should avoid being unduly pressured by temporary economic challenges or societal influences to engage in such inhuman practices. They are evil and sinful. They are not acceptable by God and humans,” she said.

She said that children’s day celebrations should remind governments and parents of the need to protect the future of society.

Mrs Fubara said that investments in children were enduring legacies that would enable them to promote self-development.

“It is to instil skills and the values of compassion, empathy and responsibility in them as leaders of tomorrow,” she said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Dr Justina Jumbo, said it was beneficial to give priority attention to the training and welfare of children.

Ms Jumbo said that the children’s day celebration helped to bring issues bordering on the welfare of children to the forefront.

She urged governments at all levels and the private sector to invest in the upbringing of children to protect the future of society.

The global theme for this year’s event is “For every child, every right.”

(NAN)