TODAY’S VIEWPOINT IS ON BUILDING A LEGACY OF HOPE FOR THE NATION’S CHILDREN. IT IS WRITTEN BY EMMANUEL DADA, A YOUTH CORPS MEMBER SERVING AT PENSIONERS FM.
In Nigeria, children’s day is observed on 27th day of May every year.
It is always a day with many colourful celebrations and excitement as the nation comes together to celebrate its young and promising generation.
Children’s day is a time mapped out where children are at the centre of attention.
It is a time when schools, government officials, parents, and various organizations join hands to create a memorable experience for the young ones.
From parades to parties and special events, children’s day is a vibrant tapestry of activities that reflect the nation’s commitment to nurturing and celebrating its future leaders.
Each year, children’s day in Nigeria is marked by a specific theme that underscores the importance of investing in the future through the well-being and empowerment of children.
According to former president of united states of America, john f. Kennedy, “children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see,”.
Thus, every children’s day reminds us of the future, and the necessary sacrifices of parents, guardians, teachers, leaders, and governments to secure the greatest assets on earth who are the younger ones.
However, many children like never before are currently exposed to information capable of making or marring their future especially across the internet.
Furthermore, children in Nigeria face numerous challenges that impact their growth and development.
One of the most significant issues is lack of access to quality education.
in many rural areas, schools are either very far away or in poor state, lacking basic facilities and trained teachers.
As a result, this makes up for about 10.5 million out of school children in Nigeria, according to UNICEF data.
Furthermore, economic hardships, child labour, and early marriages further aggravate problems facing children, leaving Nigeria with one of the highest rates of out-of-school children in the world.
Child labour remains a pervasive issue due to widespread poverty.
Many children are forced to work to support their families, missing out on education and a normal childhood.
Abuse and exploitation, including child trafficking, are serious problems that many Nigerian children encounter.
Early marriage is also another challenge, particularly for young girls.
Forced into marriage at a young age, these girls often abandon their education pursuit and face early pregnancies, which pose significant health risks and also deprive them of the bliss of enjoying childhood.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach which include improved access to quality education.
This can be achieved by building and renovating schools, particularly in rural areas, and ensuring they are well-equipped.
Training and supporting teachers are also essential, while providing incentives such as scholarships and free school meals to children can encourage attendance.
In addition, strengthening primary healthcare centres to provide essential medical care, vaccinations, and nutritional programmes can significantly improve children’s health.
Also, community-based health education can raise awareness about nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention.
To tackle early marriage, engaging with community leaders to change perceptions and advocating for legal reforms are important steps.
Promoting the benefits of educating the girl child and enforcing laws that set a minimum age for marriage can make a significant difference.
Parents, on the other hand, must ensure strict supervision of their children’s activities both in the society and on digital platforms.
In conclusion, challenges facing children in Nigeria are complex and multifaceted, however, with coordinated efforts from the governments, NGOs, community leaders, and the international community, solutions are within reach.
