Ogun Govt warns hospitality industry operators against child labour, exploitation

Members of the Hoteliers Association of Nigeria, HAN, and associated hospitality associations across Ogun State have been directed to sensitise operators on the prohibition of child labour and all forms of exploitation of minors.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Quudus Yusuf, on Monday.

Yusuf stated that the directive placed emphasis on the State Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and welfare of every child in line with the Ogun State Child Rights Law and other extant laws.

According to the statement, underage children are prohibited from engaging in late night business activities and should not be found in any environment that would expose them to abuse, exploitation or other forms of harm.

The government also frowned against the use of minors to model indecent or sexually seductive clothing or content for commercial, promotional, advertising or social media purposes, as well as involving children in activities with sexual connotations or any other exploitative practices capable of undermining their rights, dignity and healthy development.

The permanent secretary noted that any stakeholder found violating the directives would be sanctioned in accordance with the law.

He urged the hospitality industry operators to fully comply with the directives and support the government’s efforts to create a safe and protective environment for children across Ogun State.