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 labour in Nigeria and outlined several strategies for tackling the issue, including: Strengthening legal and policy frameworks, enhancing access to quality, free, and compulsory education, building community-based child protection systems, improving reporting and response mechanisms, and expanding public awareness and advocacy He also emphasized the importance of poverty alleviation and economic empowerment as key prevention measures. He called for the depoliticization of social protection structures and the promotion of decent work for adults. Prof. Elakhe concluded by encouraging children to learn and assert their rights.
Dr. Irene Akhidenor, leading the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (Edo State Chapter), added a medical dimension to the discussion. She stressed that abuse, whether physical, emotional, or verbal, can lead to long-term psychological trauma if left unaddressed. Parents were encouraged to be actively present in their children’s lives and to seek professional help when needed.
During the question and answer session, participants raised important issues including parental abandonment and caregiver responsibility, particularly in cases involving girls who become pregnant due to abuse. It was clarified that the law can hold negligent parents accountable. Questions on child involvement in farm work highlighted that while chores are normal, they become abuse if they interfere with education or become exploitative. Issues around sexual abuse of male children were also addressed, with emphasis on equal protection for all children. Additionally, concerns were raised about children hawking during school hours, which was identified as a failure of adult responsibility rather than the fault of the children.
A quiz competition was also featured during the event, with participants from six secondary schools where Uromi JDPCI has established Human Rights Clubs: Egoro Amede, Idunwele Girls, Opoji Commercial, Sacred Heart, Annunciation Catholic College, and Gift Day Secondary School. Egbeyan Matild of Idunwele Girls emerged 1st, followed by Eghenlen Barnabas of Annunciation in 2nd place, and Osagie Gracious of Opoji Commercial in 3rd place. The first, second, and third-place winners received well-deserved prizes, while other participants were appreciated with consolation gifts. All the students were given notebooks and pens by Uromi JDPCI while the Medical Women’s Association supported the event by donating sanitary pads, tissue rolls and toilet for the girls and bathroom slippers for the boys.
The event was a remarkable success as it provided an opportunity to reflect, engage, and commit to stronger child protection measures. Through collaborative efforts, supported by our valued donor; MISEREOR, Uromi JDPCI continues to champion the rights, dignity, and future of every child.
QUARTERLY MEETINGS WITH PARALEGALS AND ADVOCATES OF THE COMMUNITY HUMAN RIGHT CLUBS HELD ON THE 17TH – 19TH JUNE 2025 ACROSS THE 5 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS IN EDO CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT.
Uromi Justice Development Peace and Caritas Initiative (Uromi JDPCI) convened quarterly meetings with Human right Paralegals and Advocates across the five Local Government Areas in Edo Central Senatorial District from the 17th to 19th of June, 2025. The quarterly meetings engaged Paralegals and Human Rights Advocates from the 36 project communities, Officers from the Nigerian Police Force (Family Unit), the Head of Social Welfare Department, and Legal Supervisors. A total of 425 participants attended the meeting, including 234 males and 191 females.
The session provided a platform for paralegals to present reports on their human rights interventions. These presentations resulted in enhanced peer learning among paralegals, as the exchange of experiences increased their awareness of effective strategies and broadened their capacity to respond to similar issues within their respective communities. It also provided the project team with an opportunity to assess the progress of the various Human Rights Clubs and extended technical support where necessary for effective response to human rights issues.
In the opening remarks, the Executive Director of Uromi JDPCI, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Fidelis Arhedo, reaffirmed the vital role of community-based Human Rights Clubs, describing them as “change makers” in their communities. He encouraged Paralegals to remain united and committed in their efforts to bring about positive transformation, emphasizing the importance of standing up for justice and defending the vulnerable. He further praised their tireless work and dedication to advancing human rights and urged them to persist in their noble mission. One of the sessions also featured the presence of the Queen of Igueben, who promised collaboration with the Human right Club in her community, stating the rate of Child abuse, neglect and rape was common in her community and she also advised family members to live together in peace and avoid regular conflict.
Key interventions and achievements gathered from the reports presented by the Paralegals highlighted significant progress in addressing human rights violations across Edo Central Senatorial District. They intervened in issues such as domestic violence, child abuse, harmful widowhood practices, denial of education, human trafficking, rape, torture, and forced child labour.
In Esan Central LGA, key outcomes included the rescue and reunification of three neglected children in Agua, response to an attempted rape, and widespread sensitization on harmful cultural practices in Opoji.
In Esan West LGA, the human rights groups prevented public humiliation, rescued adolescent girls from sexual expliotation, and secured the release of a wrongfully detained minor.
The groups in Esan North East LGA recorded gains in child protection, family reunification, and school reintegration, with notable ADR interventions in communities like Efandion and Ivue.
In Esan South East LGA, children withdrawn from school for labour were re-enrolled, widow’s rights were defended, and police collaboration was strengthened through advocacy.
EMPOWERING ADOLESCENTS ACROSS THE EDO CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT THROUGH THE QUARTERLY ADOLESCENT LEARNING SESSIONS
Uromi Justice Development Peace and Caritas Initiatives (Uromi JDPCI), through its Human Rights Education and Paralegal Scheme III, successfully held Quarterly Adolescence Learning Sessions across twenty-eight (28) secondary schools in the five Local Government Areas of Edo Central Senatorial District, namely Igueben, Esan West, Esan North East, Esan South East, and Esan Central.
The sessions reached a total of 416 students, 128 males and 288 females, and were purposefully designed to equip adolescents with critical decision-making skills using the POCC model: Problem, Options, Cost, and Choice. This model serves as a practical guide to help young people in “Making the Right Choices” as they navigate the complex realities of adolescence.
The learning sessions were enriched with interactive storytelling, group discussions, and reflective exercises, centering on the fictional yet relatable story. Through which students were able to explore real-life situations and practiced applying the Problem, Option, Costs, Choose (POCC) framework to analyze potential consequences and make wise decisions. A key message that resonated with the students was the understanding that every choice carries both short- and long-term consequences, especially in the pursuit of their life goals. To reinforce this vital lesson, participants were encouraged to echo the key message aloud, embedding the principle of responsible decision-making into their memory and daily actions.
These impactful sessions were met with enthusiastic reception from both students and school authorities, with several students expressing a renewed sense of purpose. Notably, many schools saw a surge of new members joining the Human Rights Clubs, as younger students stepped in to fill the positions of graduating JSS3 and SS3 members.
The 28 schools visited included: Idunwele Girls’ Secondary School (Ewu), Irrua Girls’ Secondary School (Irrua), Opoji Commercial School (Opoji), Ewu Grammar School (Ewu), Annunciation Catholic College (Irrua), Ugbegun Secondary School, Efandion Secondary School (Efandion), Obiyon Secondary School (Amedokhian), Obeidu Secondary School (Obeidu), Sacred Heart High School (Uromi), Arue Secondary School (Arue), Agba Grammar School (Uromi), Okhuesan Secondary School (Okhuesan), Obiza Mixed Secondary School (Ubiaja), Agadaga-Ewohimi Secondary School (Ewohimi), Ewatto Grammar School (Ewatto), Gift Day Secondary School (Ubiaja), St. John Bosco Secondary School (Ubiaja), Emaudo Secondary School (Emaudo), Ujoelen Grammar School (Ujoelen), Egoro Amede Secondary School, Eguare Secondary School, Uhiele Secondary School, Ebelle Commercial Secondary School (Ebelle), Igueben College (Igueben), Ewossa Secondary School, Igueben Grammar School (Igueben), and Ekekhen Secondary School (Ekekhen). Through this initiative, Uromi JDPCI continues to champion adolescent empowerment, ensuring that the next generation is not only informed but also equipped to take control of their futures, one right choice at a time.
ADVOCACY VISIT TO THE ZONAL COMMANDER OF THE NATIONAL AGENCY FOR THE PROHIBITION OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (NAPTIP), BENIN CITY, EDO STATE.
On the 24th of June 2025, the Executive Director of Uromi Justice Development Peace and Caritas Initiatives (Uromi JDPCI) Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Fidelis Arhedo under the Act Against Child Trafficking in Nigeria (AACTING) Project with support from ECPAT France and Luxembourg led the Uromi JDPCI team on an advocacy visit to the Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Barr Sam Offiah at the NAPTIP Zonal office in Benin City. In attendance was the Zonal Chairman of NAPTIP, heads of various units including; counselling and rehabilitation unit, Administrative head, investigation and monitoring unit, Public enlightenment unit and Zonal Public relation Officer.
During the advocacy, the Executive Director of Uromi JDPCI, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Fidelis Arhedo, emphasized the organization’s commitment to combating human trafficking through grassroots interventions, awareness campaigns, and policy advocacy. He highlighted the success of Uromi JDPCI’s Child Protection Committees and Child Champion Clubs across Edo Central Senatorial District and called for strengthened collaboration with NAPTIP to enhance local response mechanisms. He also invited NAPTIP’s participation in ongoing AACTING Project activities to bolster joint efforts.
In response, Barr. Sam Offiah appreciated the advocacy visit and commended the impact of Uromi JDPCI’s interventions, noting a drastic reduction in trafficking cases in the state due to the passion and efforts of Organizations such as Uromi JDPCI. He stated that “ Trafficking presents itself in a subtle nature, the deception is difficult to detect and looking beyond the facade, it is usually deception from loved ones, close family members and friends which makes it difficult for individuals to see the exploitation of migration” He urged all stakeholders to unite in the fight and praised the Executive Director for his leadership in championing this cause. He pledged NAPTIP’s full collaboration with Uromi JDPCI
These coordinated activities showcase Uromi JDPCI’s unwavering dedication to fostering human dignity, environmental stewardship, and child protection through grassroots engagement and inter-agency collaboration. From empowering adolescents with decision-making skills to addressing human rights violations and strengthening institutional partnerships, the organization continues to serve as a vital catalyst for change in Edo Central. With the support of partners, stakeholders, and the communities themselves, Uromi JDPCI remains committed to building a safer, more just, and inclusive society for all.
COMMEMORATION OF WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2025
On the 5th of June, Uromi JDPCI joined the global community to commemorate World Environment Day with the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution.” The event, held at the Chancery Hall, Egbelle, Uromi. The event had 70 (49 males and 21 females) participants in attendance including government representatives, traditional and religious leaders, waste managers, and parish JDPC members.
The Executive Director, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Fidelis Arhedo in his keynote address, called for urgent collective action to end plastic pollution, citing its health and ecological dangers. He reminded participants that we are not just called to live in the world but to care for it. To end plastic pollution, he encouraged communities to reduce single-use plastics, promote recycling, conduct clean-ups, enforce policies, raise awareness, support eco-innovation, collaborate with stakeholders, implement penalties, monitor progress, and invest in research for sustainable solutions.
Participants shared goodwill messages emphasizing collaboration, enforcement of environmental laws, the role of political leadership, and the need for boldness in climate advocacy. As part of its climate commitment, Uromi JDPCI announced the planting of 533 fruit trees since 2023 and distributed 171 additional seedlings at subsidized rates to boost tree cover. The event reaffirmed Uromi JDPCI’s dedication to building a cleaner, healthier environment through community-centered advocacy and action.
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