In a bold move to combat child exploitation and promote the value of education, the Future Builders Club of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Save the Boy Child Initiative, organized an impactful campaign tagged “Empowering Children: Education Over Exploitation” today at Ado Grammar School, Ado-Ekiti. The program was held in commemoration of the World Day Against Child Labour, observed globally to raise awareness about the plight of children subjected to forced and unsafe work.
The event attracted students, educators, alumni, government representatives, and child advocates, all unified in the mission to prioritize education as a tool against child exploitation.
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Peju Babafemi, represented by Mr. Tolu Oguniyi, appealed to students to avoid exploitation and instead pursue education. She emphasized the importance of understanding their rights and resisting every form of abuse and exploitation.
Hon. Babafemi further outlined the various forms of exploitation children face ranging from child labor and trafficking to sexual, emotional, and physical abuse. She also shared insights into existing legal frameworks and state policies designed to protect children’s rights. She urged the students to spread the information learned during the program to others who may not have had the opportunity to attend.
Speaking on behalf of the organizing bodies, Mr. Jegede Olukayode, a member of the Future Builders Club of Nigeria, emphasized the critical role of education in shaping a child’s future. “Education is not a luxury, but a right, and no child should be deprived of it due to forced labor or unsafe work,” he said. He encouraged students to take their studies seriously, ask questions, remain diligent, and develop a strong passion for learning.
The Principal of Ado Grammar School, Mrs. Adenike Ademiluyi, expressed heartfelt appreciation to both organizations for selecting the school for such a significant and timely event. She praised their efforts in enlightening students about the dangers of child labor and the importance of education. She also acknowledged and commended notable alumni Mr. Abiodun Olofe and Mr. Jegede Olukayode for their dedication to giving back to their alma mater and helping shape future generations.
In an atmosphere filled with excitement and engagement, students were presented with educational materials, including notebooks and pens, as part of the campaign’s support tools. The gesture was warmly received with gratitude and enthusiasm.
In a media interview, the Head Boy, Badmus Caleb, expressed appreciation to the organizers. “We have been enlightened and inspired,” he said. “I believe my fellow students and I now understand our rights better, and we’ll go on to share this knowledge with other children in our communities.”
Speaking to the press, Mr. Abiodun Olofe, President of the Future Builders Club of Nigeria, stated that the central goal of the initiative is to empower children through education and protect them from all forms of exploitation. He reiterated that children are the future of every society and can only be properly equipped through access to quality education. He revealed that the campaign would become an annual event, expanding its reach to more schools and communities across Ekiti State and beyond.
Also speaking during the event, Miss Andifon Umoh, founder of the Save the Boy Child Initiative, emphasized the shared vision of both organizations. “Our joint mission is clear: to educate, empower, and protect the most vulnerable among us our children,” she said. She commended the school leadership and students for their warm reception and pledged continuous collaboration with schools and relevant stakeholders to sustain the fight against child labor and other forms of abuse.
The program was widely applauded by school authorities, students, and community members, who called for more of such awareness and empowerment initiatives to be extended to schools across the state.
