POLITICAL leaders across various arms of government are unanimous in their belief that good and quality education remains the best legacy to leave for Nigerian children.
This theme is recurring in the respective messages by many of the top government officials on Monday in commemoration of the international children’s day which is celebrated every year on May 27.
Senate President Bukola Saraki, in his message, described Nigerian children as “our most important national treasure” hence the need for those in the position of authority to “recommit ourselves to ensuring that all Nigerian children are empowered to aspire to achieve greatness”.
“Over the last 4-years, the National Assembly has worked fervently towards ensuring the provision of basic primary healthcare and the domestication of the Childs Rights Act in all Nigerian states — so that young Nigerian Children can live healthy, violence-free lives,” Saraki wrote.
He also paid tribute to Leah Sharibu, the Dapchi schoolgirl that is still in Boko Haram’s captivity, as well as “all other Nigerian children who will be commemorating this important day without their loved ones. We commit them into our prayers, and continue to call for their unequivocal release”.
Former Vice President Abubakar Atiku, also shared a message of optimism, pointing out that “Nigerian children have been in the international headlines recently for exceptional achievements despite all odds”.
In a similar message, former deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and the incoming Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, promised not to play politics with the fate of the children of the state, as according to him, “The biggest legacy we can leave for our Children is quality education”.
Lagos State Governor-elect, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his own Children’s Day message described them as “our heritage… our pride, they are the future and they are the reason why we put our best in all that we do”. He promised that his government “will be dedicated to making sure that every child in Lagos has hope for a great future”.
Boboye Oyeyemi, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), also pledged the commission’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Nigerian children on the road at all times.
“Children are the world’s most valuable resources and its best hope for the future. Child safety is our top priority,” he wrote.
Later on, the wife of the president, Aisha Buhari, will host some children to a Children’s Day party at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, as part of activities leading up to the second term inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari.