We deserve more, Nigerian kids tell leaders

The Old Parade Ground in Garki was yesterday agog with activities celebrating the Nigerian child. May 27th is a date set aside to pay attention to their needs, in an event celebrated in many parts of the world. In Abuja, President Goodluck Jonathan was absent from festivities, no doubt readying for his own big day tomorrow, the inauguration at Eagle Square. But FCT Minister, Bala Muhammad, represented him, assuring Nigerian children that greater commitment would be given to their development in the country. “You are the future of the nation and we cannot afford to invest less. As it is, the future is bright for you and it is surely yours,” he said in a speech.

Among guests at the event was the Mayor of Dallas, who will be sponsoring five Nigerian children for a one-week trip to his city in the United States. The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Iyom Josphine Anenih was also in attendance and made it known that the kids to make the trip will be selected from schools that win at the marching contest.

Schools from different parts of the federal capital city came in vibrant colours and attire. Students from nursery, primary and secondary sections won trophies for the marching segnment of festivities, which is one of the main draws. Some of the students were excited but were at the same time skeptical if government really meant all they promised. “Every Nigerian child deserves the best but year-in, year-out we keep seeing deterioration in the education sector and every part of the life of an average Nigerian child,” said Veronica Obanye, a student.

For Roseline Odoh, she feels not enough attention is given to the Nigerian child as most of them feel imprisoned even in their homeland. “Yes, it is children’s day but how many of these kids were opportune to be here to celebrate this day? There are many of them out there who deserve to be celebrated but they are out there hawking and looking for a means of livelihood for themselves and their families. Also, I think the educational standard of the country should be reviewed to what can be compared with other countries. We deserve more,” said Odoh Roseline, another student.

Just like Roseline, Farida Kabir Baba, a student from a school in Area 11, Abuja, says she expects the government to be more serious with education in the country especially that of the primary and secondary levels. “I would like to give all gratitude to my parents for believing in me and giving me the necessary education, as I know thousands of my peers are out there hawking or begging on the streets,” Farida added.

Apart from different schools coming together to march-past, and listen to speeches to celebrate the day, games, outings and picnics with family and friends are also part of events organised to spice-up the occasion. A visit to Millennium Park by Weekly Trust showed that even those who could not make it to the old parade ground and had nothing in their pockets had a nice time as children and adults alike danced, ate and made merry.

A parent had this to say: “Nigerians are yet to celebrate the day of the Nigerian child in a fashion that would make the day truly important. So far, it’s only a jamboree, and nothing more. But in the future, who knows?