By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
As the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, marks the 2024 Children’s Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to make education attractive and ensure that schools are to become secured learning environments for children.
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud who represented President Tinubu disclosed this on Monday at the Children’s Day celebration at Old Parade Ground in Abuja.
Mahmoud said, “the Federal Government of Nigeria is determined to make education attractive and secure our schools. We are irrevocably committed to our obligations under the “Safe Schools Declaration, SSD.”
“On this special day, l re-affirm government’s commitment to all
matters relating to the total well-being and development of the Nigerian child. This will include ensuring that our children get the right nutrition to aid their physical and mental growth.”
She announced that there is a compulsory provision for the education of every Nigerian child , boy and girl , as a human right in the “The Child Rights Act (2003)” , which harmonises the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Union Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child that promotes the rights of the child to education and development irrespective of gender.
The FCT Minister of State, stated that under the CRA (2003), the government would strive to expand access to education and ensure that Nigerian children get quality education.
However , she decried the disheartening incidents of kidnapping of school children, a scene which has continued to thwart the efforts’ of the government in increasing school enrollment.
Mahmoud, disclosed that in furtherance of giving education to Nigerian children, the Government is committed to establishing 24 skills and innovation hubs and entrepreneurship Centres across the country.
Furthermore, the Government is set to inaugurate private sector Innovation Enterprise Centres across the country to deliver on the skills acquisition programme of the government.
For the Minister of Women Affairs, Barr. UJU Kennedy -Ohanenye, gave assurance that the rights of children will be protected.
Kennedy -Ohanenye said, “Oh children, your rights will be protected. You will have skills. You start learning things that will better your life.”
She gave Nigerian children the hope that under the Renewed Hope of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, they will enjoy the best of times.
The minister further stated that Nigerian children are under her purview, as she promised to fight for the rights of the children irrespective of their religion or ethnic affiliation.
The FCT Mandate Secretary of Women Affairs, Mrs. Adedayo Benjamins- Laniyi, who hosted the Children’s Day in Abuja, commended all parents for their efforts in training and nurturing their children
She noted that the theme of this year’s children’s day celebration, “enhancing the total wellbeing of the Nigerian child, through quality education and skills development”, is apt, and indeed, very dear to the heart of the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike own intervention in the area education as a one-time Honorable Minister of State for Education.
The Mandate Secretary also stated that it has become critical to ensure every Nigerian child and indeed every child in the FCT have access to quality education, and innovative skills that will better equip them for excellence in all ramifications of their lives.
“Our gathering here therefore is aimed at rolling out the drums, celebrating our children in our 62 wards and 6 area councils, through the channel of education and our school system.”
We are here also to recognize and celebrate the significance of children as the hope of the family and the future of community and society at large, she said.
The highlight of the FCT Children’s Day celebration were the recognition of children who have distinguished themselves as Child Writers, as well as awards to best performing schools in the match past parade to mark the day.
