The Ills of Child Labour in Akpet, Cross River Community
Akpet, a region within the Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, is renowned for its abundant mineral resources. The locality consistently draws a multitude of visitors, some of whom seek business prospects or aim to exploit the mineral reserves. Nevertheless, despite the land’s richness, the community endures a lack of essential amenities such as quality medical facilities, educational institutions, and well-constructed roads, thereby causing significant distress among the residents.
Furthermore, residents have expressed apprehension regarding the failure of mining companies that operate in the vicinity to fulfill their pledges of providing the community with requisite amenities. They also vocalize their grievances over the unfavorable consequences of mining activities on the environment and their livelihoods, particularly with regards to agriculture.
His Royal Highness, Atte Evong, the Clan Head of Akpet Central, has notably spoken out on the subject of security challenges and environmental dangers brought about by the operations of mining companies in the locality. He has underscored the peril posed by abandoned mining sites, which have triggered landslides and negatively affected agricultural activities, consequently leading to reduced food availability within local markets.
In light of these concerns, the community has established a 21-man committee to address unlawful mining and the influx of unidentified individuals in the area. Notwithstanding these efforts, the challenges endure, and illicit mining activities continue to flourish. This has resulted in a disconcerting pattern of diminishing interest in education among school-age children, who now opt to partake in the more “lucrative” illegal mining operations instead.
Young children, such as 11-year-old Michael and 13-year-old Okon (pseudonyms), have disclosed their involvement in the search for and extraction of precious stones. They have divulged that the earnings from this perilous work can be considerable, reaching up to N15,000. This pursuit of quick money has led to a wane in enthusiasm for education, as children are enticed by the financial rewards promised by the illegal mining activities.
Local trader Mrs. Rosemary Eboh has validated this trend, affirming that some children earn as much as N15,000 daily from vending these stones, thereby further reinforcing the disinterest in education among the youth in the area.
In response to these challenges, Mr. Castro Ezama, the Special Adviser to Governor Ben Ayade on Education, has expressed the government’s resolve to tackle the issue and accentuated the significance of education in alleviating poverty. The government intends to educate and sensitize the community about the perils of encouraging children to forsake education in pursuit of precious stones.
Mr. Mayowa Omosebi, the Federal Mines Officer for Cross River, has reiterated that no mining entity in the state would permit underage workers on its premises. Nevertheless, he has acknowledged the predicament of children extracting stones in locations not governed by mining companies, often under the guise of engaging in agricultural labor.
As the blame game endures, the future of these children in Akpet is precariously positioned. It is imperative for all stakeholders to unite in order to combat this disquieting trend. As a nation, Nigeria must accord priority to the future of its children and take decisive measures to safeguard them from the perils of child labor, while ensuring that they have access to education and prospects for a promising future.
Christian Njoku (News Agency of Nigeria – NAN)
