About Augustus Osajie

Rev. Fr. Augustus Oseyomon Osajie is the newly appointed Assistant Editor of "The Catholic Witness Newspaper." Ordained December 2, 2023, he also serves as the Assistant Parish Priest of Annunciation Catholic Church, Irrua.

UROMI JUSTICE DEVELOPMENT PEACE AND CARITAS INITIATIVES (UROMI JDPCI)In the month of June 2025, Uromi Justice Development Peace and Caritas Initiatives (Uromi JDPCI) carried out a series of impactful events and interventions across Edo Central Senatorial District as part of its commitment to the promotion of human rights, protection against child trafficking and environmental sustainability. These included commemorations of International Day Against Child Labour and Abuse, Human rights quarterly meetings and adolescent learning sessions, strategic advocacy visit to NAPTIP and Commemoration of World Environment Day. Each initiative reflected Uromi JDPCI’s community-centered approach to sustainable development and justice.COMMEMORATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST CHILD LABOUR AND ABUSE HELD 11TH JUNE 2025.On June 11, 2025, Uromi Justice Development Peace and Caritas Initiatives (Uromi JDPCI), through its Human Rights Education and Paralegal Scheme, commemorated the International Day Against Child Labour and Abuse. The event brought together 201 participants (Males – 110, Females – 91) including representatives from the Chief Inspectorate of Education (CIE), Local Government Departments of Social Welfare, religious and traditional leaders, school principals, paralegal supervisors, members of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), paralegals, and students from schools with Adolescents’ Human Rights Clubs. This year’s theme, “Progress is clear, but there is more to do: Let’s speed up the efforts!”, echoed throughout the day as speakers and participants reflected on the urgency of protecting children and strengthening child rights systems in Nigeria.The Director of Programs, Dr. Michael Iyoriobhe in his welcome address recognized and expressed deep appreciation to all stakeholders for their attendance and continuous collaboration. The opening address by the Executive Director of Uromi JDPCI, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Fidelis Arhedo, emphasized that child protection is not a choice but a “shared and sacred responsibility.” He urged religious, governmental, and community institutions to create safe spaces, enforce clear conduct guidelines, and protect whistleblowers. Anchoring his call to action in faith, he reminded participants of Matthew 19:14 that states “Let the little children come to me…”, asserting that faith must translate into advocacy, protection, and care for the vulnerable. He expressed gratitude to Uromi JDPCI’s donors and strategic partners, especially MISEREOR, for their continued support.The session featured goodwill messages stakeholders including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) who praised Uromi JDPCI for its consistent work and reaffirmed that children are divine gifts, representatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) appreciated Uromi JDPCI’s efforts and called for more public collaboration in protecting children, The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) emphasized community vigilance with the slogan: “See something, say something.”, The Head of Social Welfare encouraged stakeholders to intensify their role in child protection, The Chief Inspector of Education, Esan Central Local Government Area, highlighted the urgent need to prioritize education in protecting children, The principals’representative urged parents to be role models, as children reflect the values they observe at home and Barr. Omonzojie, called for the distribution of the Child Rights Law (2003) in schools to raise awareness of legal protections, especially the existence of Family Courts for resolving child-related matters.

The guest speaker, Prof. Elakhe O. Abraham, delivered a powerful presentation titled: “Strengthening Protection Services and Safeguarding Children Against Child Labour and Abuses.” Prof. Elakhe identified the persistence of child... read more →