The Church and Child Labour: A Theological and Social Analysis in Ogun State Communities

This study examines the theological and social dimensions of child labour in Christian communities in Ogun State, South West Nigeria, and evaluates the church's responses to this pervasive human rights challenge. Child labour remains prevalent in many parts of Ogun State, particularly in rural agricultural communities and the informal commercial sector of Abeokuta, where children as young as eight are employed in economically and physically hazardous conditions. Using a descriptive qualitative design, data are gathered from thirty church leaders, twenty parents, and forty child welfare workers across six communities in Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, and Ota. Document reviews of church social teaching statements and government child welfare policies supplement primary interview data. The study finds that many church leaders are aware of child labour in their congregations but rarely address it theologically or practically, often viewing it through a lens of economic pragmatism or cultural normalcy. Churches that hold an explicit theology of childhood as a sacred developmental stage, drawing on Jesus' affirmation of children, demonstrate stronger advocacy and community education responses. The research recommends the development of a church child rights theology curriculum for Ogun State denominations and the establishment of church-community child welfare committees with referral links to government welfare agencies. Keywords: child labour, child rights, church advocacy, Ogun State, childhood theology