As Nigeria joined the rest of the continent in observing the Day of the African Child, a combination of organisations are spearheading a campaign for safe and regular migration, alongside a strong call to end gender-based violence (GBV), including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage.
The White Truck Empowerment Initiative (WTEI), operating under its “Do It Right Initiative,” has partnered with the Migrant Resource Centre (MRC), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to lead this crucial advocacy.
This year’s celebration takes on heightened significance amidst an alarming surge in Nigerian children and youth embarking on perilous migration journeys. Many, often deceived by false promises, fall prey to the dangers of human trafficking, exploitation, and abuse.
The “Do It Right Initiative” aims to counter this trend through comprehensive education and empowerment programs.
Speaking at events held at Aunty Ayo Secondary School, Government Girls Junior School, and Senior Girls School in Lagos, Barrister Mrs. Taiye Edah, Executive Director of WTEI, underscored the critical need to provide children and their families with accurate information.
“Irregular migration is claiming the lives and future of our youth,” she stated.
“Our children deserve better, they deserve safe, legal pathways and the opportunity to dream without fear.”
Echoing concerns about the escalating issue of gender-based violence, David Oluwagbami, a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, emphasised, “Violence against children, especially girls, continues to be one of the most hidden human rights violations. We must not only raise our voices — we must act.”
The events saw active participation from children, parents, teachers, and government officials.
Interactive sessions, drama, poetry, and discussions were employed to educate attendees on identifying and reporting GBV cases, as well as understanding safe and legal migration procedures.
Barrister Maureen Ovie, a representative of the Migrant Resource Centre, seized the opportunity to urge community leaders, religious institutions, and schools to become pivotal players in eradicating GBV and championing safe migration practices.
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Other representatives from the Migrant Resource Centre present included Iyanuoluwa Fisher (Inspector of Factories, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment) and Sharon George (Labour Officer, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment).
Furthermore, the Executive Director of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Team, Madam Lola Vivor, dispatched her representatives to the Senior Girls Secondary School to reiterate the vital importance of the Anti-Domestic Violence Passport.
As the voices of children resonated with chants of “Protect Us! Empower Us! Do It Right!”, a clear message emerged: this generation of African children is prepared for change, and it is the collective responsibility of society to establish a system that prioritizes their protection, education, and empowerment.
