Making conscious efforts to invest in a nation’s children is the most direct and best way to invest in its future.
The assertion was made by Adegboyega Oyetola, the Governor of Osun State, in his speech at the 2022 Children’s Day celebration in Osogbo on Friday.
Oyetola, who was represented by Oyebade Festus Olowogboyega, the state’s Head of Service, urged children to imbibe the virtues of discipline, hard work, honesty, and patriotism, saying that these virtues are necessary for children to develop their full potential, and that these virtues are also required to maintain democratic institutions for national development.
While highlighting the challenges posed by the total breakdown of societal values and unrestricted social media vices, the governor of Osun called for immediate action by all stakeholders.
He went on to say that all hands must be on deck in raising awareness of the critical role of parents, families, and the community in protecting children.
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“The choice of this year’s theme, ‘Investing in our future means investing in our children: A better future for every child,’ could not have come at a better time than now, given the challenges posed by the total breakdown of social value and current unrestricted social media vices, which called for an urgent need for all stakeholders to put all hands on deck in making conscious efforts at raising awareness of parents, family, and communities at all levels,” he said.
“All conscious efforts must be focused on investing in our children, as I believe this is a direct way of investing in our nation’s future.”
He reassured the children that the state government would continue to fulfil all of its obligations to ensure their well-being and development.
“The government is dedicated to promoting and safeguarding the rights of all citizens, including children.” This is because it is our primary responsibility, as stated in the Nigerian Constitution and the Child Rights Act of 2007.
“Accordingly, the Children’s Day celebration is to remind us of our responsibilities as parents toward the protection of our children’s rights, special care and protection, and we should strive hard by investing in our children by providing them with quality education and all the complementary skills they will need to survive and thrive in the near future.”
“When we do this, every child will have a better future.” Parents should instil in their children the values of honesty, dedication, and patriotism.
“As parents, we have no greater responsibility than to ensure that our children are cared for, protected, and respected, that their lives are free of fear, and that they grow up in peace.
It’s also an opportunity to remind our children of their duties and responsibilities to us as parents, such as conducting their affairs morally, respecting elders, and avoiding all forms of criminal activity.”
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In her speech, the Commissioner for Women, Children and Social Affairs, who was represented by Toyin Araoye, the Special Adviser for Women, Children and Social Affairs, said that the year’s theme, “Investing in our Future Means Investing in Our Children: A Better Future for Every Child,” was a call to action for governments, parents, guardians, stakeholders, and society to wake up to their responsibilities.
“Caring, protection, promoting projects and programmes for the general welfare of children regardless of their gender, physical and social challenges,” she stated.
Araoye also revealed that the state government is working with security operatives to respond to cases of abuse and child rape, as well as the expansion of the state’s toll-free lines to cover cases involving children and women.
