As Nigeria marks Children’s Day on May 27, 2023, former governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has urged parents to prioritise education for the benefit of their children.
In a statement to celebrate the children, the ex-governor noted that this year’s Children’s Day came at a critical time a new regime is taking over government in Nigeria.
He said, “Children are very important to society, as they are the leaders of tomorrow. On this happy occasion for our children, I reaffirm my belief that it is the right of every Nigerian child to have access to quality and affordable education, in a peaceful and secure environment.
“Part of my initiatives to support the education sector during my administration was the ‘No Child Left Behind’ policy, an inclusive policy to recruit more teachers and educate all children across the state. My administration recognised the importance of literacy for growing children, and, as such, we built hundreds of school blocks and created the Anambra Teach-On-Air programme for radio and television, to ensure that no child is left out.”
Describing children as the leaders and decision-makers of the future, Obiano urged parents and the new government to ensure that they receive Universal Basic Education.
“Despite the economic challenges facing our dear nation, I believe the new administration will continue to do all within its power to achieve free education for all states of the federation, so that no child is deprived of knowledge. If children are deprived of education, then the nation gets deprived of the potential human resources for social progress, economic empowerment, social stability and national prosperity. However, if education is prioritised, Nigeria will be a model of productivity and sustainable development,” he added.
The former governor congratulated the children on this memorable day set aside to celebrate them, while urging the incoming government to give special attention to primary education, so that children can attain their full potential in life and contribute to national development.
