Edo State Government of Nigeria, through their Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, celebrated children. The state government of Edo organized an event marking the 2023 Children’s Day in Nigeria. The government hosted the Event under the theme: “The State of Nigerian Children and the Significance of Proper Parenting for Value Reorientation and National Consciousness”.
Recently, discussions on nations’ wealth centre more on children and young people. Some schools of thought argue that states with more young people have better chances of utilizing their natural and human resources to create wealth. This, however, is possible only if the said resources are well-developed and harnessed properly.
The government of Edo state hosted the Children’s Day event in recognition of the importance of children to societal progress,
The Event, held at the ICTA Hall in Benin City, drew participants from various stakeholders nationwide. The guest list included the following persons and institutions of importance:
- The Police,
- The National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)
- Directors of Socials from local government councils across the state
- Owners and executives of social and welfare centres, among others.
The Permanent Secretary, MSDGI, Barbara Osobajo, delivered her keynote address commemorating the 2023 Children’s Day. The Director of Child Development, Kate Bello, represented her at the Event. She highlighted several challenges associated with the upbringing and development of children. The discussion topics include poverty, inadequate access to education, violence, and the erosion of cultural values.
According to her, they pose significant threats to the development of children. She, however, noted that positive change and a secure future for the nation are achievable by focusing on proper parenting and value reorientation.
Osobajo urged parents and other critical stakeholders to engage with children actively. She asked them to create a nurturing environment and be role models for positive values. She added that stakeholders must invest time in the upbringing of children, listen to their concerns, and guide them through life’s challenges.
Further, the keynote speaker assured the people that it would amount to sowing seeds of a brighter future. Ultimately, they will grow up to become responsible, compassionate, and patriotic citizens of the state and the nation.
Meanwhile, She reiterated the state government’s commitment to children’s welfare and upbringing. She cited incorporating character education and citizenship programmes into the state’s curriculum. This curriculum focuses on imparting essential values and fostering a sense of national pride in children.
The Event featured presentations of key messages on the “State of the Nigerian Children today: Proper Parenting for Value Reorientation” by Hadiza Okunrobo, a lecturer from the Department of Public Law, University of Benin (UNIBEN); “Drugs/Alcohol Abuse: Sign to Look Out for in Our Children”, by Prof. Ernest Ugiagbe, the Director of Social Works, UNIBEN; amongst others.
