The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Ita Alamu Unit, took its Child Rights Advocacy campaign to Senior Secondary School, Ita Alamu, in Ilorin West Local Government Area on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
The event, held on the school’s assembly ground, featured the inauguration of a Child Rights Club aimed at promoting awareness and protection of children’s rights within the school.
The school principal, Mr. Kawata, alongside Vice Principals Mrs. R.A.Y. Agboola (Administration) and Mrs. Ogunwole (Special Duties), welcomed the CDHR team.
In his address, Mr. Kawata commended the group’s dedication to human rights advocacy and its efforts in empowering students with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities.
The advocacy visit was led by the Kwara State CDHR Chairman, Comrade Afolabi Lukman, the State Vice Chairman, Dr. Kunle Adebowale, and former National Vice President, Comrade Idris Saka. Each took turns addressing the students on topics related to child and gender rights.
Dr. Kunle Adebowale emphasized the importance of education, urging students to focus on their studies and uphold their responsibilities as learners.
He noted that the right to education comes with the duty to be worthy in character and learning. Comrade Idris Saka highlighted the need for students to speak out whenever their rights are violated, reinforcing the message that silence perpetuates abuse.
The event’s highlight was the inauguration of the Child Rights Club by Comrade Afolabi Lukman. The club will be coordinated by CDHR member and teacher, Comrade Muritala Raji Oluwalogbon.
In his remarks, Comrade Lukman referenced a past incident involving a former student of the school, Miss Omolola Ajayi, who was trafficked to Lebanon. Her rescue and repatriation by the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, led by Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, served as a powerful reminder of the importance of human rights awareness and advocacy.
The chairman also educated the students on various forms of human rights violations, including denial of education, sexual abuse, forced marriage, child labor, rape, and extortion. The interactive session energized the students, who enthusiastically chanted the CDHR slogan, “CDHR: My right is my right!”
Other CDHR members in attendance included Comrades Qozeem Badmus, Tawakalitu Sulaiman, and Atinuke Oladipo. Although the Unit Chairman, Comrade Adeyemi Ogunwuyi, and Unit Secretary, Comrade Segun Olanrewaju, were unavoidably absent, their efforts in planning the event were acknowledged.
The initiative reinstated CDHR’s commitment to fostering a culture of rights awareness and advocacy among young people, preparing them to become informed and empowered members of society.
