Soludo’s Aide Lauds Efforts to End Child Labour, Bags NUJ Award for Youth Mentorship

By O’star Eze

Awka – Dr. Nelson Omenugha, Special Adviser to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo on Youth Empowerment, has reaffirmed the Anambra State Government’s commitment to eradicating child labour through robust policies and initiatives. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra State Council in Awka, Omenugha highlighted Governor Soludo’s deliberate efforts to ensure child welfare.

The visit coincided with the 2025 World Day Against Child Labour, themed “Progress is clear but there is more to do: Let’s speed up efforts.” Omenugha noted that Anambra has made significant progress, citing free and compulsory education at all levels, free antenatal care, and bursaries for tertiary students as key achievements. “Anambra boasts one of the lowest rates of out-of-school children in Nigeria at just 0.2%,” he said. “Child labour is virtually non-existent due to sustained interventions.”

He also announced the next phase of the state’s One Youth, Two Skills programme, set to train and empower 8,000 youths, underscoring the administration’s focus on youth development. “Despite election-year propaganda, the Soludo government is laying a solid foundation for a prosperous Anambra,” Omenugha stated.

During the visit, NUJ Anambra Chairman, Comrade Emeka Odogwu, PhD, revealed Dr. Omenugha’s nomination for the Outstanding Youth Mentor Award, to be presented on August 24, 2025, at the International Convention Center, Awka. Odogwu praised Omenugha’s grassroots impact and ability to mentor young people, describing the award as a “unique and unprecedented recognition” of his contributions.

The event featured the presentation of a public address system to the NUJ by Dr. Omenugha, a gesture warmly received by the Council. The award ceremony, alongside the NUJ Man of the Year honour, is expected to be a highlight of the Union’s annual press week.