EMMY YOUNG
On the International Day of the African Child, Dr. Thelma Ezeonu, a United States of America-trained medical doctor, sounded a clarion call for the protection of Africa’s most vulnerable population. According to her, child labour is a reprehensible practice that denies children their fundamental rights and stifles their potential.
“Childhood is a sacred period that should be filled with joy, love, and care,” Dr. Ezeonu emphasized.
“However, child labour reduces this precious phase to a mere struggle for survival, stripping children of their innocence and hindering their development.”
The persistence of child labour not only undermines children’s access to basic education but also exposes them to exploitation and abuse. Dr. Ezeonu stressed that healthy children are the bedrock of any thriving society, and engaging them in labour amounts to squandering the future of the continent.
Dr. Ezeonu commended Lagos State for pioneering the Child Rights Law, which provides a framework for safeguarding children’s welfare. She urged parents and guardians to prioritize their children’s well-being, providing them with love, care, and opportunities for balanced growth.
By working together, we can build a future where African children can grow, learn, and thrive without the burden of labour, and Dr. Ezeonu’s call to action serves as a powerful catalyst for change.
