Abuja, June 30 (NAN) – Children residing in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory have made passionate appeals to government at all levels to improve access to essential infrastructure and social services within their community.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, the children emphasized the urgent need for better healthcare, education, recreational spaces, electricity supply, and public facilities to support their growth and well-being.
Daniel Adewale, a primary school pupil in the area, highlighted the dire need for medical facilities and affordable healthcare for children in rural communities. “Here in the rural communities, some of us still lack basic amenities. The government should remember that children need good hospitals and safe places to play,” he said.
He added that when children fall ill, parents often struggle to access healthcare, making it difficult to get timely medical attention. “I am appealing to the government to subsidise the cost of healthcare services in the country,” Adewale urged.
Another pupil, Fedora Lawal, pointed out the absence of child-friendly recreational parks and libraries in Bwari town. He called for the establishment of a public reading facility where children could learn and relax.
“We don’t have a recreational park suitable for children to celebrate on public holidays like Children’s Day,” he said. “We also need a public library where we can go and read at our leisure. It is important for growing children.”
Lawal also stressed the need for improved power supply in the community, noting that erratic electricity hampers both leisure and academic pursuits.
Similarly, Gift Oche, a young resident of the community, urged the government to formulate and implement policies that alleviate the burden on both children and their parents. “We need improved healthcare facilities, rehabilitation of our schools, access to clean water, and cheaper food prices,” she said.
Oche emphasized that many children in Bwari are at risk of dropping out of school because their parents cannot afford school fees or basic supplies. “The government should assist parents who are not financially stable to send their children to school,” she said.
Mr. Emeka Nwachukwu, a parent and teacher in the area, echoed the children’s concerns and called for intentional investment in children’s welfare. He stressed that education and healthcare should be prioritized if Nigeria is to raise responsible and impactful citizens.
“It’s important to recognise the potential of each Nigerian child and provide opportunities for them to develop. The truth is, children are not asking for too much—they want to be safe, healthy, and able to learn,” he said.
Nwachukwu also called on the government to ensure that national celebrations for children come with real benefits, such as improved infrastructure, better wages and training for teachers, and stronger healthcare systems.
“Our children deserve to grow up in safe environments, away from societal ills, and with access to quality services,” he added.
As Nigeria marks another Children’s Day, the voices of Bwari’s children stand as a reminder that beyond celebrations, decisive action is needed to address their pressing needs and secure a better future.
