The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) took a significant step in child rights advocacy with a visit to Cherubim and Seraphim College, Sabo Oke, Ilorin.
The delegation, led by Comrade Olasunkanmi Iwaloye, Ilorin City Unit Coordinator, and Dr. Sanusi Babatunde Muse, was warmly received by the school’s Vice Principals for Administration, Academics, and Special Duties on the assembly ground.
During the visit, Vice Principals Mrs. Jumoke Ogundele and Mrs. Gana, who oversees clubs and societies, encouraged students to engage actively in learning about their rights.
After a brief introduction to CDHR, Comrade Iwaloye led the students in the CDHR slogan, “CDHR: My right is my right,” which was met with enthusiastic responses.
Comrade Iwaloye outlined various human rights violations affecting children, including issues such as denial of the right to education, sexual abuse, child labor, forced marriage, rape, and extortion.
He emphasized the importance of awareness and self-advocacy among young people to protect themselves from these injustices.
Dr. Sanusi Babatunde Muse further elaborated on the right to education, highlighting the CDHR’s legal efforts led by Barrister Femi Falana (SAN), Chairman of the Board of Trustees, to compel state governors to access UBEC funds meant for educational development.
This initiative, he noted, was ultimately successful. Dr. Muse also warned students about the dangers of human trafficking and modern-day slavery, advising them to be wary of dubious offers of work abroad.
In closing, Comrade Iwaloye announced plans to launch a Child Rights Club at the school to foster continued engagement. Vice Principal, Special Duties, Mrs. Gana, pledged her support as the club’s patroness and confirmed that a teacher would be designated as its coordinator. The session concluded without any disruptions, marking a productive step forward in child rights advocacy for the community.
