Governors In Nigeria preach morals on Children's Day

Yobe State Government has called on the public and private sectors to concentrate efforts in making children become patriotic and responsible citizens in building the nation for prosperity and development at all levels.

State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Asma’u Kabir Kolo made the appeal Monday during the commemoration of this year’s National Children’s Day held at the Women Affairs Secretariat complex, Damaturu.

She said that the ministry’s mandate was also to promote the welfare, development and survival of all children for meaningful development, while the state government policies and programmes, are geared towards care and development of children in the state.

According to the commissioner, the sum of N82 million has been earmarked for the various projects and programmes of education of children to become responsible and useful for future generations in the state and the nation at large.

She said that this year’s theme: “Treasure our children,” was in line and in accordance to the various policies and programmes on childcare, support, moral and educational upbringing of children to become responsible citizens and future leaders of society.

Asma’u listed the programmes to include the renovation of Dr. (Mrs) Maryam Abacha Clinic, construction of a befitting paediatric ward at

the same clinic, the education and empowerment of 215 orphans, rehabilitation and care of 285 orphans, the building and equipping of an Amusement Park and Recreational Centre, Damaturu at the total cost of N51.93 million.

In her words: “The 500 orphans of Yetim Care Foundation (YCF), Damaturu will be supported with learning materials, a bag of rice, carton of each of spaghetti, toilet and bar soap; and N5, 000 cash for their school uniform.Akpabio urges investment in children

Akpabio urges investment in children

From Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh, Uyo



GOVERNMENT at all levels in the country have been charged to invest adequately to guarantee the future of our children as they are the backbone of today, hope for tomorrow and faith in the future of Nigeria.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio gave this advice during the 2013 Children’s Day Celebration held at Uyo Township Stadium.

Represented by his deputy, Lady Valeria Ebe, Akpabio stressed that, government policies, legislation and budget should be children-friendly, promising that, his administration would constantly mobilise resources towards addressing the educational, psychological, social and morals needs for the good of the children in Akwa Ibom State.

According to him, the theme, ‘Our children, our future, our collective responsibility’, was timely because of the effort government is putting in place to eradicate the increasing incidence of child abuse in the country.

“Our actions should be guided and motivated in the best interest of the child; children play a cardinal role in the development of every society. They are the backbone of our today, our hope for tomorrow and faith in the future.

“Despite the invaluable role of children, they are daily discarded, neglected, abandoned and abused. There have been fetish beliefs that have existed among the people for years that some children are possessed of devils and witchcrafts spirits which have led to what we see as street children who have been made homeless by parents and forced by circumstances to fend for themselves”, he said.

Akpabio said he was happy that out of the 22 states in the country that passed the Child Rights Act, Akwa Ibom State ranks as one of the first to have achieved such feat.

“Aside the Child Rights Acts, my administration has put I place other programmed to safeguard the future of every Akwa Ibom child, these include the child protection network, the free ad compulsory education, the provision of textbooks and writing materials and the provision of special homes for the abandoned child, amongst others”, he added.

Ondo pledges commitment to child-friendly programmes

From Niyi Bello, Akure



ONDO State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko has reiterated his administration’s total commitment to more child-friendly programmes.

Mimiko gave the assurance yesterday during the grand finale of this year’s Children’s Day celebration held at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade in Akure.

According to Mimiko, programmes such as Abiye Safe Motherhood, mother and child hospital, sustenance of mega schools and free shuttle buses among others would be vigorously pursued to alleviate the sufferings of parents and add values to the lives of the children.

He said that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Our children, Our Future, Our Collective Responsibility” was timely in view of the unhealthy handling of children’s issues by some parents in the society.

The governor assured that the state government would continue to frown at all forms of child abuse, including child abandonment and neglect, street hawking, using children as aides to beggars and denial of educational opportunities for children.

His words: “As a people-oriented and child-friendly government, we shall not refrain from carrying out our responsibilities towards the children of Ondo State, whose humble prayers contributed immensely to our success at the poll as well as at the post-election tribunal.”

He added: “We shall continue to be committed to the implementation of the Ondo State Child’s Right Law, while we shall also continue to frown at all forms of abuse of the child. The task of creating the desired future for the children of today should be seen as a joint effort and collective responsibilities”.

He, however, urged the children to reciprocate government’s gesture by developing the right attitude to life, shunning deviant behaviours, immodest dressing and examination malpractice.

Earlier in her welcome speech, Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Ajayi, noted that the annual event provides opportunities for government at all levels, groups and non-governmental organisations to focus on issues concerning children.

She added that it also provides avenue for children from the three senatorial districts of the state to share views, socialise and demonstrate their skills and abilities in various fields of human endeavours.

Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Olukemi Mimiko presented prizes, certificates and trophies to winners of the various events at the occasion.

Jang assures on welfare

From Isa Abdulsalami Ahovi, Jos



GOVERNOR Jonah Jang of Plateau State has assured the children of the state that their wellbeing and development is of utmost importance to his administration and beyond, adding that life itself is a transition from childhood to adulthood.

Jang lamented that records have shown that quite a number of children do not have access to quality education while five out of every 1,000 die before the age of five. He spoke yesterday at this year’s Children’s Day, which took place at the Rwanpam Township Stadium, Jos.

Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Nanle Dashen, the governor said that in spite of the global situation, the state has done a lot to improve access and qualitative basic education through the provision of improved learning environment and facilities as well as teacher motivation.

In the area of health, he said the state has made and is still making efforts to ensure that children between zero to five years are immunised and that the issue of malaria, measles and other child killer diseases are adequately addressed.

According to him, other efforts are in the area of reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among children, which he said is in recognition of the fact that the provision will enhance the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Jang noted that the administration gives priority to the allocation of resources in the areas that affect children by making a deliberate effort to empower families and parents so that children will have access to basic quality health and educational care.

“I wish to remind us all of the importance of providing the enabling environment and the necessary care that will facilitate the adequate protection of children from abuse, exploitation, and all forms of violence against children. At this point, the importance of proper implementation of the provisions of the Child’s Rights Law as passed by the House of Assembly in 2005 becomes imperative.”

Okorocha seeks on leadership training

From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri



GOVERNOR Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has advised that a curriculum be designed and developed for school children to prepare them for leadership positions in future.

Okorocha stated this yesterday during this year’s 2013 Children’s Day held at Heroes Square, Owerri, capital of Imo State that it has become necessary to take the youth of today the rudiments of leadership training among others to adequately prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow and task of nationhood.

He opined that well-grounded children in leadership principles would handle the problem of corruption in the country, urging the political leaders to liaise with relevant stakeholders to take the matter with seriousness it deserves.

Shun drugs, cultism, says Fashola

• Ejigbo marches for civil rule

By Tope Templer Olaiya and Kamal Tayo Oropo



LAGOS State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, yesterday joined students in the state to celebrate this year’s Children’s Day with a charge to them to stay off drugs and shun cultism.

Fashola who spoke shortly after inspecting the Children’s Parade at the Police College, Ikeja urged the children to remain focused on their studies and avoid distraction.

He emphasised the need for children to avoid engaging in social vices as well as joining cult groups.

He recommended Boys Scout, Red Cross, Traffic Club, Power Kids Clubs to the children, saying that government has endorsed and empowered these clubs to function in the state.

Fashola noted that there have been some unpleasant reports of kidnapping in the state, just as he cautioned the children and urged them to be vigilant.

“In order to avoid these people and to remain safe, you must desist from boarding any unregistered vehicle that is not painted in the state yellow and black colour.”

He added that children “should also be wary of the type of company you keep. And be careful with how you associate with strangers by refusing to be tempted with gift and money.”

The governor while commending the performance of students in last year’s West African Examination Council (WAEC) results urged them to strive hard to better the overall performance recorded in the state.

“You doubled the figure to 38 per cent, your teachers are proud of you and so are your parents. Last year was good, but it is not enough, I want you to double that performance and record a 70 per cent performance this year”, he said.

Earlier, the Senior Prefect of Agidingbi Senior Grammar School, Ikeja Shadeko Adejuwon commended the state government for exposing their teachers to training opportunities as well as ensuring regular payment of teacher’s salary

It was a memorable Children’s Day yesterday for over 3,000 students in Ejigbo who embarked on a solidarity march to commemorate this year’s event in a parade tagged Children March For Democracy. In a remarkable difference from previous celebrations where a selected few are handpicked to represent the school in a march past, yesterday’s event was celebrated by all pupils of public schools in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

Explaining the significance of the march, Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Kehinde Bamigbetan, said the council decided to use the day to celebrate the culture of civic value and democracy. “The difference we are introducing to Ejigbo is to involve everybody, all our students in public schools in the LCDA to popularise the march that has brought change to this country like the June 12 and January 2012 subsidy protest march, which illustrates the beauty of democracy as government of the people by the people and for the people, rather than the military parade for a selected few that reminds us of the not too pleasant history of military dictatorship,” he said.