Nigeria has united with the international community to celebrate this year’s Children’s Day event, honoring the establishment of Universal Children’s Day in 1954. While the date of celebration varies across countries, Nigeria marks it on May 27 as a public holiday dedicated to children.
With the theme “More Money for Primary Education,” this year’s edition emphasizes the rights of children to receive free and quality education. UNICEF, the United Nations agency responsible for children’s welfare, highlights the vital role of adequate funding in creating an enabling environment for enhanced knowledge, improved behavior, and personal growth among children.
As expected, messages of celebration and support have flooded in from various angles, with President Muhammadu Buhari, governors, and other elected leaders taking center stage. President Buhari, through his media aide Femi Adesina, stressed the significance of treating every child as special and called upon parents to fulfill their responsibilities.
“Every Children’s Day reminds us of the future and the necessary sacrifices and building blocks by parents, guardians, teachers, leaders, and the government to secure our greatest assets on earth, the younger ones,” President Buhari expressed. He further shared his joy as a father and grandfather, witnessing the growth and development of children.
At over 80 years, having served the country all my working life, I still believe our children hold the keys to a brighter future for Nigeria, with these 3 undeniable & unchangeable truths; fear of God is supreme; love for knowledge is elevating; & hard work will always pay off.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) May 27, 2023
Acknowledging the challenges and uncertainties faced by children, President Buhari urged Nigerians not to lose hope in protecting the nation’s youth. He emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding their future, stating, “We must not lose hope, and our faith should be rekindled in the ability of the government to ensure the well-being of our lives and children.”
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu also joined the celebration, describing children as resilient individuals while urging them to steer clear of negative influences such as cultism, drug abuse, psychotropic substances, and criminal activities. In a statement conveyed by his Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka, Governor Ikpeazu assured the children of Abia State that he would continue to keep them in his prayers, even after his tenure ends. He encouraged them to grow into responsible adults, bringing pride and honor to themselves, their families, the state of Abia, and Nigeria as a whole.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, extended his heartfelt felicitations to Nigerian children on this special occasion. Recognizing their determination to succeed against all odds, he commended the children for their remarkable achievements since the last celebration. While lamenting the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, Speaker Gbajabiamila highlighted the 9th House’s prioritization of legislation that positively impacts the socio-economic well-being of Nigerians.
“The Speaker, however, enjoined parents to ensure that the Nigerian child is not excluded from global competitions and emerging trends in a constantly changing global village,” stated his spokesperson, Lanre Lasisi. The Speaker emphasized the responsibility of parents in providing proper care and training to their children, thereby contributing to their betterment and the future of the country.
In a significant development as a gift to children, the Plateau State government has domesticated the Child Rights Law. Chief Judge Justice David Mann signed the family court rules at the state high court complex, describing it as a milestone and a step forward in ensuring the proper handling of proceedings related to the rights, privileges, and welfare of children, in accordance with the law.
President Muhammadu Buhari also took to Twitter to share his wishes, stating, “At over 80 years, having served the country all my working life, I still believe our children hold the keys to a brighter future for Nigeria, with these 3 undeniable & unchangeable truths; fear of God is supreme; love for knowledge is elevating; & hard work will always pay off.” He extended his warm wishes on Children’s Day and blessed the children of Nigeria, expressing immense gratitude to God for the opportunity to celebrate them.
Happy Children’s Day, and may God bless our children!
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