The Children Parliament, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) says the wellbeing of children is the cornerstone of the future of Nigeria.
The Speaker of the parliament, Rahama Waziri, stated this at the 2024 National Children’s Day in Abuja on Monday.
The theme of the event was, “Enhancing the Total Wellbeing of the Nigerian Child through Quality Education and Skills Development”.
Waziri said that the event provided the needed opportunity to discuss how to collectively ensure that every Nigerian child receives the education and skills necessary to thrive.
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According to her, empowering children with education and skills was pivotal to the sustainable growth and development of the country.
“It is through their eyes that we envision a brighter tomorrow, and it is through their development that we can achieve it.
“Education is the bedrock of any progressive society. It is the tool that empowers individuals to transcend the limitations of their circumstances and achieve their full potential.
“For the Nigerian child, quality education is not just a right but a necessity. It is the gateway to opportunities, the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and the foundation for a prosperous and equitable society.’’
She also stressed the need for skills development, describing it as crucial in preparing children for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
She noted that the world was rapidly evolving, and the jobs of tomorrow would demand a diverse set of skills.
“It is imperative that we children are equipped with both technical and soft skills that will enable us to adapt and thrive.
“We need to ensure that schools are well-equipped with modern facilities, including libraries, laboratories, digital resources, with curriculum updated to reflect current realities and future projections.
“In this digital age, technology plays a crucial role in education. Integrating ICT in classrooms can enhance learning experiences and provide students with the skills needed in a tech-driven world,” she said.
Responding to the children’s call, President Bola Tinubu said that the federal government had embarked on key transformative policies to create a conducive learning environment across the country.
Tinubu, who was represented by the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, re-affirmed his administration’s commitment to all matters relating to the total well-being and development of the Nigerian child.
Similarly, Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, assured the children that their rights would be protected.
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