Dr Ifeanyi Odii, the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, has outlined plans to address child labour and promote youth empowerment if elected governor in 2027. During an appearance on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily, Odii highlighted the need to tackle poverty and unemployment, which force families to send children into domestic work or street hawking. He emphasized that his administration would focus on youth empowerment, education, and skills development.
Odii identified poverty and unemployment as key factors contributing to child labour in Ebonyi State. He proposed establishing skills-acquisition centres across the state to provide young people with practical training, leading to employment and self-employment opportunities. The centres would offer training in areas such as carpentry, POP installation, tailoring, animal husbandry, and fishery. This initiative aims to equip youths with skills to become self-sufficient and reduce the reliance on child labour.
The proposed skills-acquisition programme would cover all 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State, with each local government having facilities capable of accommodating about 3,000 people. This would translate to approximately 39,000 Ebonyians benefiting from the programme. Odii emphasized that his administration would prioritize education, including scholarships and improved learning environments, to enable children to remain in school rather than engaging in economic activities at an early age.
Odii linked the problem of child labour to the broader challenge of poverty and inadequate access to education. He promised to make education a major priority, ensuring that children have access to quality education and opportunities for growth. By investing in education, healthcare, and job creation, Odii aims to reduce household poverty and create a more productive local economy.
The PDP candidate argued that Ebonyi State has significant agricultural and mineral resources that could be developed to create jobs and improve household incomes. He emphasized that creating opportunities at home would enable families to keep their children in school, reducing the pressure to send them away for domestic work. Odii's administration would focus on harnessing the state's resources to promote economic growth and development.
Odii's plan to end child hawking and house-help culture in Ebonyi State involves a multi-faceted approach. He aims to address the root causes of child labour, including poverty and unemployment, by providing skills-acquisition training and promoting education. By investing in the state's resources and creating job opportunities, Odii hopes to reduce the reliance on child labour and promote a more sustainable future for Ebonyi State.
The Ebonyi State governorship candidate concluded by emphasizing his commitment to transforming the state's economy and promoting the well-being of its citizens. If elected, Odii's administration would prioritize youth empowerment, education, and skills development, with a focus on reducing child labour and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Key points
- Dr Ifeanyi Odii proposes establishing skills-acquisition centres across Ebonyi State to provide young people with practical training.
- The programme aims to cover all 13 local government areas, benefiting approximately 39,000 Ebonyians.
- Odii's administration would prioritize education, healthcare, and job creation to reduce household poverty and promote economic growth.
