The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Children’s Day

  • Childrens’ Day: Buhari decries child marriage, exploitation

    Childrens’ Day: Buhari decries child marriage, exploitation

    President Muhammadu Buhari has called for an end to all forms of abuse and exploitation against the child, including abduction and forced marriage.

    Buhari made the call yesterday during the National Children’s Day Celebration at the Eagle Square, Abuja, saying there is urgent need for all stakeholders, including parents and communities at all level to protect children against any form of violence.

    The president who was represented at the occasion by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, said the Federal Government was resolute in its efforts at rescuing all the missing Chibok Girls.

    He cited the recent rescue of Amina Ali Nkeki and Sarah Luka all of Chibok, as evidence that government was unwavering in its resolve in that regard.

    The President said no child or indeed any other Nigerian should be put through the brutality of abduction, violence or forced marriage in whatever form, stressing that every girl has a right to education and choice of life.

    According to a statement issued by the Deputy Director / Chief Press Secretary, Muhammad Sule, Buhari while emphasising the commitment of his administration to protecting the rights of children as enshrined in the Child Rights Act, 2007 as well as in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, said his government would continue to fight the scourge of child abuse, child abduction, child labour and child trafficking among others.

    He directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to liaise with other agencies to work out appropriate programmes including actions and measures that would help in tackling violence and abuse against children.

    While wishing children happy celebration, the President urged them to be responsible citizens by respecting constituted authorities as well as their parents, teachers and elders.

    He called on parents to teach their children to live a life of honesty, dedication and love for the country.

    In her address, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Jumai Alhassan who was also represented at the occasion by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Hajiya Binta Adamu Bello assured that the government would not leave any stone unturned in protecting the rights of the children.

  • Children’s Day: Wike assures children of ‘brighter’ future

    Children’s Day: Wike assures children of ‘brighter’ future

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has  assured children in the state that his administration  would  continue  to  make investments in education  and  social services  with the aim of giving  them a bright future.

    In a message to mark this year’s Children’s Day, Governor Wike said  his administration  remains committed to the provision  of  a secure environment  for children  to develop  under an atmosphere  of  love, peace and hope across  the  state.

    He noted that in line with his commitment  to  quality  education  for the children  and  youths, his administration  has commenced  the phased rehabilitation  of  prominent  secondary  schools  in  all the  three senatorial  districts  of  the  state  with a view to introducing boarding  school system  of education.

    The governor added that  his administration  flagged off the construction  of  the  Port Harcourt Pleasure Park to create a facility  for recreation  for Rivers children and the entire family,  the first of its kind in the history  of  the state.

    He called on  children in the state to look forward to  a brighter  future  as his administration  is committed to their welfare,  security  and right upbringing.

    While wishing the children  a happy Children’s  Day,  the governor  assured them of his love and friendship at all times.

     

  • Wonderland plans big for children’s day

    Organiser of the annual Alimosho Children’s Day Carnival, Wonderlands Entertainment, has unveiled details of the fourth edition slated for May 27 at Keda field, Abesan Estate, Lagos State.

    In a press statement, its C.E.O, Tayo Adeyemo, noted that three categories of programmes, sports, entertainment and academic would feature at this year’s edition expected to be attended by 750 children.

    Adeyemo said the sports events include relay races, table tennis, cycling and some indoor games; the entertainment segment would feature beauty pageants, dancing competition, cultural dance and musical presentation; while the academic programmes include science, art exhibitions, and quiz, etc.

    Some of the schools expected to participate are Ken & Alpha Schools; Shalom Scholars Baruwa; Enefem Schools, Ayobo; Impressive Schools Ayobo; Arisonea Schools, Egbeda, and Shalom Schools Akowonjo.

    Others include: Muslim Community Schools, Abesan Estate; Akinrotoye Memorial School; Headstone Schools Ajasa; Friendslink School, Ayobo; and Soundhope Schools, Baruwa, Ipaja.

    The event is to be declared open by Mrs. Mojisola Sodipo, while veteran educationist, Olajide Adebayo will deliver the keynote address. The Royal Father of the day is Eze Ohazulike the EzeNdigbo of Lagos.

     

  • Children’s Day celebration: Fashola, Akpabio advise pupils

    Children’s Day celebration: Fashola, Akpabio advise pupils

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola and Akwa Ibom Governor Godswill Akpabio have urged children to stay away from drug abuse, violence and other vices that can destroy their future and progress.

    Fashola spoke yesterday when he addressed children at the Police College Ground as part of activities marking this year’s Children’s Day celebration.

    He said it was important for children to desist from drug abuse, bad friends and sundry crimes that would be inimical to nation-building.

    He said: “I urged you to stay away from all vices that can destroy your future. I want you to stay away from drug abuse, ignore bad friends who might want to introduce you to cultism, stay away from violence and bad gangs. But rather, you can join social and voluntary clubs such as Boys Brigade, Girls Guide and Sheriff Guard among others that have been created for you to mould your future.”

    Fashola urged the children not to forget all the things that they have learnt through programmes initiated by his administration  such as the road safety rules and signs, traffic rules, the climate change rule to protect their environment and hand washing techniques, which helped the state to combat the Ebola Virus during its outbreak.

    He added that the children should continue with the good habits to make Lagos State a better place for all.

    Akpabio identified timidity, low self-image and lack of courage as the negative effects of violence against Nigerian children.

    Akpabio spoke during this year’s Children and Youth Day Celebrations on the theme, “Violence against children: Addressing the challenges”, held at Uyo Township Stadium.

    He said: “Such was the lot of the Akwa Ibom Child in the past, as many suffered violence in the cause of serving as house helps in different parts of the country. They were subjected to abuse in spite of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Child, which provides for every child the inalienable rights to education, and survival, to develop to the fullest, to protect from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation.

    “I consider the theme of this year’s Children’s Day, apt and timely.”

    Also yesterday, Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola offered special prayers to God to set free the 219 Chibok school girls being held captive by Boko Haram insurgents.

    At this year’s children’s day celebration in Osogbo township stadium, the governor supplicated for the return of the kidnapped students and succour to their families.

    According to Aregbesola, it was regrettable that violence against children has increased globally. He added that children are easy targets of kidnap-for-ransom.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, said “the nation is still distraught by the tragedy of the 219 Chibok girls kidnapped by terrorists in their school hostel”.

    He said: “We are asking parents and the law enforcement agencies to provide greater protection for children against physical abuse, rape and torture.”

    A popular entertainment place, the Play Zone, in Ikeja City Mall, Lagos yesterday hosted children as part of activities marking the day.

    The children played intellectual games, danced, sang and were fed with assorted meals.

    They also went home with various gifts.

  • Malls get set for Children’s Day

    Malls get set for Children’s Day

    To retailers and wholesalers, Children’s Day is a special day. This is because they record impressive turnover as parents, schools, government officials, orphanages, religious bodies and others turn shopping malls to Mecca, TONIA ‘DIYAN reports.

    Children are often described as the leaders of tommorow. They are the future of any country. Therefore, if they are given proper foundation and development opportunities, they are capable of turning the adversity of the country into prosperity.

    On the other hand,  any nation that fails to accord good education to the children prepares to ruin all the expectations of any nation, an economist Prof Pat Utomi said during the celebration of Children’s Day a few years ago.

    United States 35th President, John Kennedy,  also said: “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” It, therefore, goes without saying that the true essence of the celebration is to understand the significance of childhood.

    Next week is Children’s Day. As usual, children will not go to school that day. It will be time again for them to enjoy special fun-filled activities, including parties and games. Special celebrations will be held for them at eateries while the various amusement parks are also expected to play host to them.

    This day serves as a reminder to parents to renew their commitment to the welfare of children and teach them to live exemplary lives.

    Stores organise funfairs for kids while their parents do the shopping. They have fun times with the bouncy castle, train ride, merry-go-round and gleefully watch their favourite mascots entertain them. Seeing children as the best marketing tools, retailers rent temporary equipment that would enhance their fun during shopping.

    The celebration is certified by the United Nations (UN) to remind everyone about children’s right to enjoy their childhood without any encumberances, most importantly, to become educated adults in future.

    Fun-filled educative and cultural programmes are organised for kids by the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in schools. Special television programmes for children are broadcast, as well as all kinds of fun activities to make the day memorable.

    Parents seem to be more concerned about their children’s wellbeing; therefore, they are eager and look forward to buying choice gifts that will keep lasting memories in the children. Some offer their children cartoon characters and greeting cards to express their love. For kids, it is a time to make requests and get it granted almost immediately.

    Mrs Folashade Akinremi of The Guest House, Ikoyi, Lagos said: “It is important to make every May 27 special for children. After all, children will not only remember parents for the material things they provide, but for the feeling of being cherished and how they are taught to share love among their mates.

    “Children are like precious gems, parents should understand the significance of the only day set aside for them apart from their birthdays and make them happy,” said Mrs Mute Olori of the African Independent Television (AIT).

    Managing Director,  Delightsome Gifts Concepts, Mrs Modupe Shopeju,  said children are adorable; they are divine gifts that parents get from the almighty. Their eyes are full of innocence. They smile when they receive love and admiration, they cry when it is their first day at school away from their parents, they giggle when they mingle with their peers, and they signify nothing but pure and faithful love. They truly symbolise God, therefore, let us as parents and mothers play our roles 100 per cent.

    “Childhood memories are the sweetest of all, they can be savoured for a lifetime. Children’s Day celebration is fun for the little ones but it is important for the parents too. Every parent must understand the importance of Children’s Day. Parents should be well aware about the little desires of their angels, said Mrs Nnenna Azuka, Marketing Manager, UAC Restaurants.

  • Would you rather shop online on Children’s Day?

    Shopping websites are always looking for reasons to put up sales and Children’s Day is another opportunity. Come next week, there will be excitement in the air as government and schools go into short vacation to celebrate children.

    The same way shopping malls and fun places will be wearing new look to celebrate with children this season, e-commerce websites already seems to be trying their luck with increasing number of online shoppers, particularly children. Online stores seem to have opened their Children’s Day special discounted stores on their website. On the eve of Children’s Day websites such as Jumia, Konga, Kaymu and Dealdey will not only give away discounted products but also conduct some interesting contests online for the kids to have fun to catch the attention of young shoppers.

    Online stores in an attempt to amuse young readers have tied up with one organization or the other to run ‘toy story contest’ on their websites, also on Facebook. This is aimed at encouraging children to visit their website as well as the Facebook page and answer questions or write short stories as comments. Top Contestants with best stories will receive free vouchers to win gifts items. Exciting deals across categories such as  toys, colouring pencils, music book, dictionary, children diary, vocabulary cartoon, greeting cards, story book, cartoon book, Tablet for learning, Disney mini story book library and comprehension book for children.  All these are sold for minimum of 20 per cent off their prices and some 30 per cent.

    Some other online stores are running a ‘Big Dream’ competition where they conduct a contest for kids and give them an opportunity to meet their role models. These stores want parents to write in a line about their child’s dream profession and their plans for the same, afterwards, three entries will be selected, other than that, 50 entries is aid to win discount vouchers from the site.

    Some online stores are giving away gifts based on children’s talents and abilities and as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the society, kids that are in need are given priority.

    These stores believe, childhood without fun and games is no childhood at all, they therefore, provide toys and games sections which they say will help children develop concentration and imagination from a very young age. “Be it puzzle games, plush toys or board games, toys are an integral part of the growing up years of a child. Toys and games positively impact the minds of children in learning new processes and taking up complex challenges,” said Afam Anyika, Offline Manager, Jumia.com.ng

    According to his colleague at Konga.com.ng, Tomiwa Akande, Public Relations Officer Konga, “A toy becomes a child’s most favourite companion and the two are usually inseparable. Here at Konga, children will find a wide assortment of toys and games that extend to products like a strollers and prams from popular brands.’’

    She added that parents could browse a various children items aside toys and games for their wards. She said: “Purchase products from popular brands such as Luv lap, Cuddles, Fisher-Price, among others, to give your child a happy childhood this season.”

    ‘’The huge range of toys and games, among others offer something for every child, they should be allowed this season to explore the world of toys and their games online,’’ she added.

  • Series to engage 300 pupils on Children’s Day

    Upticomm Marketing Company, a public relations and integrated marketing communications consulting firm, has unveiled TheRoleModelSeries Conference, a mentor-protege programme for teenagers in public secondary schools, to mark Children’s Day on May 27.

    The series, which provides education, mentoring and inspiration using personalities in private, business, and public life, will hold at the Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

    The inaugural edition will feature over 300 pupils aged between 12 and 16 years.

    There will be inspirational speeches, presentations, question and answer sessions, drama skit, and syndicate session. Prizes, awards, and plaques will be given to deserving individuals and organisations.

    Upticomm Marketing Chief Strategist Olusegun McMedal, explained that the idea is driven by the need to create access for teenagers to learn directly from role models in the society.

  • Konga celebrates 10,000 kids, opens special store

    Konga celebrates 10,000 kids, opens special store

    Nigeria’s online marketplace, Konga.com, in collaboration with Triple X Entertainment and other firms hosted over 10, 000 kids at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos on Children’s Day.

    The event, which came after Konga launched its special Children’s Day store, saw special prizes awarded to exceptional children that participated in the organised Spelling Bee.

    Parents who wanted to surprise their children with amazing but budget items such as books, stationery, clothes, shoes and educational toys enjoyed special discounts on the Konga Children’s Day store.

    Head of Marketing of Konga.com, Gabriel Gab-Umoden, said: “May 27 is a day dedicated to celebrating children all around the world, and in our own little way, we worked with our partners to celebrate over 10,000 children in Lagos. We have also created an avenue for parents to surprise their children with special gift ideas and discounted offers in our children’s store.”

    He added: “Adults are also not left out of the celebration, with a special page created on our websites for them to enjoy discounts this end of the month.”

    It was not the first time Konga.com celebrated children. Last year, the online firm and some companies celebrated 5,000 children at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos with gifts, games and other interesting things that put smiles on the faces of children.

  • Sullen Children’s Day

    Sullen Children’s Day

    Tuesday’s Children’s Day celebration did not feature the usual razzmatazz associated with the yearly celebration of the programme.  Government celebrations were toned down, while the number of corporate organisations felicitating with the young ones were greatly reduced.  Given the mood of the nation, the low key celebration was in order.  The over 200 girls abducted from Government Science Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State on April 15 are yet to be found over six weeks later.

    In Chibok, we do not know if the children there remembered the day as special.  Since the Boko Haram insurgency intensified in the town and other parts of the north, schools have been shut, denying them of an education that should be compulsory at their level.

    If the terrorists succeed in keeping many children out of school, then we cannot expect the affected communities to enjoy social and economic success.  If these communities suffer underdevelopment, it is likely to create a vicious cycle.  We should not expect the young ones to behave better as adults.

    Now is the time for the government and people of Nigeria to take a stand and bring the situation under control.  To many, Chibok may seem far geographically; but it is only a matter of time before what is happening there spreads if nothing serious is done.  Failure to act would be interpreted as those of us on the ‘safe’ side not caring about those in the troubled region.

    The Federal Government needs to lead by example.  A few days ago, the Chibok community complained that the Presidential Fact-Finding Committee set up to investigate the abduction failed to visit the town. They stopped at Maiduguri, probably out of fear of attack.  Yet, members of these communities, who have nowhere to go, live with this fear every day.  Visiting them would make them feel a sense of belonging and probably rekindle in them feelings of patriotism for their country.

    With the involvement of the international community, Nigerians expected they should have been found, though we got some cheering news on Monday that the military has at least located their whereabouts. We hope that soon, they will be able to rescue the girls alive.  We also hope that after they return, they will not turn their backs on education and Nigeria.  But that depends on what we do to help them re-integrate into the society. I pray for the best.

  • Kwara school children go spiritual

    Kwara school children go spiritual

    Emotions ran high yesterday at the Ilorin Metropolitan Square venue of this year’s Children’s Day celebration. Tears floured down the chins of not a few of the scores of school children who converged on the venue in Ilorin, the state capital, to seek God’s intervention for the safe return of over 200 schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State, by the Islamist Boko Haram sect.

    This year’s anniversary was without the usual fanfare that attended previous celebrations. Despite the prevailing peace and security in the state, not many of the schools in the state sent in their representatives to the event that was held under watchful eyes of security agents. For about an hour, students from some of the few schools that participated in the event, were called out one by one to pray for the safe release of the girls who had spent 43 days in captivity of Boko haram insurgents. They also prayed for peace and unity to reign in the country.

    Some placards wielded by the students had such inscriptions as ‘#Bring Back Our Girls: Act now!’ ‘Nurture a child to create a better tomorrow.’

    Speaker of the Kwara State Children’s Parliament, Yusuf Abdulmalik, appealed to the Federal Government to do all it could to rescue the abducted girls safely from the kidnappers’ den. “Since the abduction of these girls, things are no longer at ease. We can no longer concentrate on our studies in schools,” he said.

    The prayers were said in both Christianity and Islam. Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, represented Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed at the event. Wife of the Governor, Omolewa, who had last week convoked similar prayers of both Christians and Muslim women, was also instrumental to the yesterday’s prayers. Alhaji Gold, who read President Goodluck Jonathan’s address, urged parents not to be deterred by the Boko Haram activities in sending their children to schools.