A non profit organization, Segun Olukitibi Foundation has embarked on a campaign to put an end to child hawking and urged parents, guardians and other stakeholders to prioritise the education and well-being of children.
The foundation made the call during its “Keep Every Child in School” project held on September 4 at Orita Challenge Market, Ibadan, where about 300 market men and women were educated on the importance of keeping children in school and abolishing child hawking.
The organization, founded by Jesuferanmi Olukitibi, supported by Sumal Foods Limited had two sessions; a Teacher Capacity Building session at 9am and a Market Awareness and Child Empowerment session at 2pm.
In the teacher capacity-building session, 50 teachers received training on effective ways to relate with their students and other stakeholders in the education sector followed by a health talk.
Speaking at the event, the founder, Jesuferanmi Olukitibi described education as a fundamental right rather than a privilege, urging teachers to identify out-of-school children in their communities and encourage them to return to school, regardless of their social or economic background
“If you see that child in your area that is not going to school, reach out to the parents or reach out to foundations like us to come in if you can not afford it” said Jesuferanmi
In her remark, she also said education should be available to every child, whether rich or poor, adding that some of the adults present at the event including her might not have had the opportunity to attend school if not for God’s favour.
She further emphasised the foundation’s commitment to gender equality, stressing that being a girl should never limit a child’s abilities or opportunities.
“The fact that you are a girl child should not limit what you can achieve, look at Dr. Okonjo Iweala” said Jesuferanmi
Drawing from her primary school experience, she recalled an instance when the parents of a boy scolded him for allowing a female pupil to take first position, using the experience to illustrate the need to challenge attitudes that suggest boys should outperform girls.
Addressing the gathering, an educationist and public speaker, Mr. Oluwapelumi Odeyemi, also spoke on creating healthy relationships with students and other stakeholders and being a teacher that stands out.
He said teachers should learn to create an environment where student can develop and learn while maintaining healthy relationship amongst theirselves
Another speaker at the event, the proprietress of Boniks Group of Schools and a talent identification specialist, Mrs. Raji addressed the teachers on the theme, “No Child Is Dull.”
She emphasized that students learn differently with different methods using Albert Einstein as an example
“A child that is not learning is not a dullard but has different ways of learning and is wired differently, some children learn with numbers, words, music”, said Mrs Raji
A registered Community Health Practitioner also addressed the teachers on maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a teacher while carrying out the demanding responsibilities of teaching.
The health component of the programme included free blood pressure and blood sugar tests for participants.
At the end of the first session, the teachers took turns to talk about what they learnt and also promised to adhere to it.
The second session entailed the members of the foundation engaging traders and other members of the Orita challenge market community on the dangers of child hawking and the importance of ensuring that children remain in school.
Approximately 300 market men and women participated in the awareness campaign while 100 pupils and students were empowered with school bags, stationery, notebooks, pens and other educational materials to support their schooling.
The intervention received additional support from Sumal Foods Limited, which provided biscuits and other gifts for the children.
The foundation’s previously organized a programme “EmpowerHer” project which was held in Benin City in June 2026 where 150 girls were provided with writing materials, notebooks, sanitary pads and personal hygiene items.