The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Children’s Day

  • Photo: Children’s day celebrations in Nigeria

    Photo: Children’s day celebrations in Nigeria

  • Children’s Day of terror

    Children’s Day of terror

    Children this year will mark their day under a different atmosphere.

    Why? The annual ceremony lost much of its fun and excitement to the troubling realities of insecurity.

    Children, it is said, are the future and leaders of tomorrow but recently they have been just as terrified as everyone else. They live in terror, a development that has become prominent in the country. Not only adults are wary of attacks; minors also are equally disoriented by the realities of the times.

    This year’s Children’s Day will never be like those of years past because children are now forced to celebrate in fear, with the news of insurgency and attacks in several parts of the country.

    The abduction  of their peers in Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State was a sore point, which has traumatised even those far away from the kidnap scene.

    Many children interviewed by our correspondent confirmed that they will not be attending the children’s day celebration because of their fear of Boko Haram.

    A non-governmental organisation, yellowjerrycan, a save a child, lend a hand foundation organised a children’s day celebration even though it was not the date, for children of some public primary schools in Abuja, in honour of children who lost their lives to insurgency and bring hope to those displaced by flood.

    Founder and initiator of yellowjerrycan, and co-anchor of the programme “Kakaaki” Adaora Onyekwere explained that it brings to bear what we are dealing with, which is not just paranoia but also dealing with people who are afraid of their safety not just as families but as individuals.

    She said that the foundation is focused on the plight of displaced people, displaced by insurgency, natural disaster and demolition and believe that the missing Chibok girls have been one object that gotten global attention which is good in finding them.

    Onyekwere also said,  ”If you see today is the 23rd and not 27th, that brings to bear what we are dealing with, which is not just paranoia but we are also dealing with people who are afraid of their safety not just as families but as individuals. I think that the government should begin listening to this children, you can tell that these children are absorbed in what is happening in the polity, it tells you that, if this country does not get it right in the leadership today, in the next 20 years we will be dealing with children who are also fighting to repair the same dementia that they have been through with the present society.

    “Ideally we should begin to look at Nigeria’s children who are the future of the nation right now, I don’t care what the President is doing about what his time has been or would be but the time is now and right now we are standing on a time bomb, not just because we are afraid of the insurgency or the release of the Chibok girls or what the economy speaks of but because we are going to be dealing with children who are going to be working round to change the psychic  that leadership is not about politics, power or corruption.

    “It is a message to every other Nigerian out there that you do not have to be the President or politician to make an impact in the society; you can start where you are. I believe that being on the show Kakaki has also given me the platform to speak up for other Nigerians who do not have the voice. For yellowjerrycan every child counts.

    She also added, “This event is an annual event, primarily to bring children from public schools together because they are the ones who understand public life, the ones who probably go to school on their own and take public transport and who probably do not even have parents that they live with.

    “These children are still trying to get an education and need to be part of the process of raising a voice for displaced people. Some of our children have been lost to insurgency, some have been lost to flood, and some are still missing like the Chibok girls. So this is in solidarity with what we are doing to support the Federal Government and to also show the parents of this missing girls that we are together with you and that regardless of what happens, this is strength of unity in diversity and that is for me the primary message.”

    Audience at the celebration had goose bumps after the Director Public Relations Officer of the Department of State Services (DSS) Marilyn Ogah had finished speaking to the children on measures to ensure security around their environment, she asked them to ask her questions on probably how to get jobs in the DSS when they grow up or ensure better security of their lives and loved ones, seven year old Chinonso rose up his hands.

    Believing that he was going to ask her questions in line with her options, she pointed at him but all the little boy asked was, “please ma, when are you people going to return the Chibok girls back to their parents?”

    Ogah said, “we want the girls back and alive so we will not be confronting the terrorists with force to ensure that the girls are not hurt or put in danger but i promise that we will bring them back.”

    It was obvious from the mood of the children at the event that they no longer feel safe and that their greatest fear was of Boko Haram.

    Shy 9 year old, Nkechi Ikenna said, “a child is someone who lives and is not suppose to suffer, a child is suppose to live to see the future and become a leader of tomorrow . i enjoy being a child in Nigeria but these days I’m scared.”

    11 year old Yadah Imana, President of Nigerian Children Ambassadors, when asked about how it feels to be a Nigerian child said, “its nice being Nigerian but these days, the children of Nigeria are not safe because we are afraid of kidnapping and bomb blasts. My prayer is for the children abducted to be found because these are the future leaders of tomorrow.”

    Another 11 year old fashion designer, Bethel Amadin said, “Nigeria is a very beautiful place and rich but the only thing is that our government is not using the money well but I’m still happy to be a Nigerian. I was inspired into becoming a fashion designer to enable me help the less privileged in the society, i have an NGO and when i hold my usual fashion show cases, last year i recruited about 100 children to be involved in my show but this year I’m not so sure because iv not started planning, i normally inspire young children by teaching them a little about fashion.

    “The government should at least meet to the needs of the society, by making sure that there is good security in schools and they should respond to any little thing quickly to avoid any regret latter and they should look out for suspicious people.”

    10 year old pupil of Festival road primary school, Abuja Emmanuel Robert, “I’m proud of my country Nigeria because people are happy with themselves and help each other in times of need but now i no longer feel safe because Boko Haram have been bombing and killing people, which is very bad and we should do something about it. I don’t want children to attend the children’s day celebration so that Boko Haram will not kidnap them and use them for rituals”

    15 year old musician and director of Nigerian Children Ambassador, Vera Jude who is also known by her stage name of pretty V, said that she would like to use her talent to help Nigerian children and for it to be a motivating factor to other children around the world. “Being a child in Nigeria at this present time is being under a state of confusion, we face so many challenges. I feel the pains of those girls who are not able to be with their parents at the moment and face the love that other children are feeling.

    “My heart goes out to them and i pray and i will try with the best of my ability to change the dream of the Nigerian child, so that every Nigerian child has an opportunity to be free and the hope to change Nigeria and we will want the government to encourage us better because as it is, i still don’t know the fate of my fellow girls that were kidnapped. They have to improve on the security measures in schools and make security, something to rely on and not a thing to be afraid of.”

    Soft spoken, 10 year old Gift Iheme advised that children should try to spend the children’s day, providing for the less privileged in the society,  ”I will rather spend the day with the children in orphanages and take along provisions and biscuits to them, i will also love to make beads this year in marking the children’s day celebration to sell around the country.

    “Boko Haram should not be hurting and fighting people because they don’t like western education because actually, western education is what everyone in the country needs.”

  • Easy Lizy dedicates time to child education

    PEJU Elizabeth Taiwo is a female singer, with the stage name, Easy Lizy. She is currently on a campaign to improve child education in the country. To this end, she has established a group, called the Community Initiative for Child Education (CICE).

    CICE, according to the songstress, aims to sensitise Nigerians on the need to support and create educational programmes and extra-curricular activities that will enhance the overall development of children within the various communities. The group, she said, has organised several programmes in recent past, including an annual Children’s Day party.

    Presently, Easy Lizy and her group are involved in annual free summer coaching for students; a programme which she said started about five years ago in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State, and coordinated by Honorable Ayo Adesanya.

    The programme, she explained is designed to prepare the children for the new academic session, while also creating social interaction, friendship and communal integration. The inaugural edition in Isolo Local Government Area is presently going on at Gideon Comprehensive High School.

    “The coaching, which commenced on 12th of August, will end on the 11th of September. We will have a funfair party on 12th of September to round off the exercise. Presently, CICE has Chi Limited, makers of Caprisone and Hollandia juice, who are supporting the event with their products. It also has a strong backing from Isolo Local Government. There are also top personalities who have shown their support towards the movement. They include Alhaja Kuburat Okoya, Dr Federick Fasehun and Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka (Osolo of Isolo) among others,” Says Easy Lizy.

  • School celebrates children’s day

    Pupils of Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State, particularly those in Orisigun Primary School have been treated to goodies in commemoration of this year’s Children’s Day.

    The event was hosted by the Goldcrest Family Centre, a non-governmental organisation for widows, vulnerable families and children.

    According to the organisers, the choice of the school was borne out of the numbera of indigent pupils who don’t have enough of what it takes go to school. These pupils are characterised by poor performances because they are not well taken care of.

    Mrs Agatha Chukwura, convener of the event, told The Nation that the organistion has been reaching out to people in the last 10 years and that this year’s children’s day focuses on teachers and pupils.

    “The pupils perform better than the teachers. So, the debate competition, which was held among 10 schools, is to teach the students various subjects and career counselling, ensuring that teaching and learning are instilled in the public schools. The teachers and their pupils were given many incentives like fridges, flat screen televisions, rugs, blenders and other educational materials,” she said.

    With sponsors, such as ExxonMobil and GMT Energy Resources, it shows that there are people who care for them.

    Mrs Chukwura said there was need to sensitise from the grassroots. “Let us start from the basic so that in 20 years time, we will have a nation where public office holders are put in their positions based on merit and not tribalism or sentiments,” she added.

     

  • For a funfilled Children’s Day

    For a funfilled Children’s Day

    Next Monday is Children’s Day, which will be celebrated worldwide. To mark the day, schools and organisations will initiate various competitions and give prizes to outstanding pupils.

    There will be special offers for kids in fun places including shopping malls, cinemas and amusement parks, all in the name of the day, TONIA ‘DIYAN reports.

     

    Next Monday is Children’s Day. As usual, children will not go to school that day. It is another opportunity to celebrate children. This is time for them to enjoy special fun-filled activities, including parties and games. Special celebrations are held at shopping centres and amusement parks to celebrated kids. At home, parents shower their children with special gifts and treats.

    Stores and markets are already stocked with more gift items for children than during ordinary seasons.

    Indeed, it is a period that children become money-spinners for wholesalers and retailers of these items as they won’t stop restocking to satisfy prospective buyers including schools, government officials, orphanages, religious bodies and individuals.

    Stores also 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 are persuaded to 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 borders, most importantly, to become educated adults in future. It is often deemed a tribute to childhood.

    The 35th US president, John Kennedy had 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.

    Fun-filled educative and cultural programmes are organised for kids by the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) throughout 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 they look forward to buying choice gifts that will keep lasting memories. 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.

    There are also parents who are planning to take their children to orphanages with the aim of instilling precious values in them. For example, a child can be encouraged to give away some of his clothes, shoes, toys, used school books, etc to other poor children, as this will help them know the real significance of the celebration .

    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).

    “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, said Mrs Modupe Shopeju, MD Delightsome gifts concepts, Gbagada, Lagos.

    “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.

    Children decide the future of any country. Therefore, if the children of a particular country are provided with proper foundation and development opportunities, they can uplift the nation towards greater prosperity. On the other hand, failure to feed and educate the children prepares to ruin all the expectations of any nation,” Professor Pat Utomi said in a television interview at the last celebrated children’s day.

    Therefore, amidst all this pomp, we should not lose sight of the real message for children which is to provide them with a safe and loving environment to grow as well as give them ample and equal opportunities through which they can take great strides and contribute to the progress of the nation.

    This day serves as a reminder to parents, to renew their commitment to the welfare of children and teach them to live by good standards and example.