The government of Akwa Ibom State has stated that it is ready to work with the federal government and civil society organizations (CSO) to combat child labor, open defecation, and WASH reforms.
The announcement was made over the weekend in Uyo during advocacy visits by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the African Centre for Human Development to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ini Ememobong.
The Commissioner welcomed the delegation, which was led by the state controller, Mrs. Sunshine Udeme, and noted the importance of information management and dissemination in pressing campaigns like the delicate one against child labor. He also pledged the readiness of the ministry and the state government as a whole in the fight against the social evil.
Ememobong emphasized that the Ministry of Information and Strategy must be positioned as the melting pot for shared ideas, thoughts, and opinions that are essential to the general development of the people and growth of the state. He was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Akparawa James Edet.
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We already have a State Strategic Information Management Committee (SSIMC), which consists of law enforcement agencies and key Federal Government institutions. The SSIMC meets weekly to discuss information flow and strategic communications on pressing state issues, the official said.
Ememobong continued by saying that Akwa Ibom State is among the greatest in terms of development potential since the administration is highly receptive to forging partnerships that are beneficial to the populace.
“You are here to open doors for crucial information sharing and interface on battling this disease that has eroded society’s social fiber. Your visit will provide a fantastic opportunity for interaction and idea sharing, the Commissioner said.
The state’s information chief reaffirmed that working with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment will help gather accurate information and data on child labor. She added that the alliance will ensure accurate reporting of child labor laws that are tenable in Akwa Ibom State.
The Head of Labor, Mr. Henry Okon, also spoke during the discussion. He revealed that the Ministry of Labour and Employment has a national policy on child labor that requires the Federal, State, and Local Government to establish a Steering committee on child labor. He also pointed out that the policy requires them to seek collaboration in areas of media coverage with relevant stakeholders like the Ministry of Information and Strategy.
Mr. Okon also informed the Ministry of his intention to start a campaign in 2023 to educate people in Akwa Ibom State’s communities about the complexities of child labor.
