President Muhammadu Buhari has emphasized the significance of maintaining ancient values such as integrity, honesty, knowledge, and hard work. He urged Nigerian parents and children alike to hold fast to these values despite the changing times, stating that they remain the bedrock of destiny.
Through a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, President Buhari expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to commemorate Children’s Day on May 27, 2023. He emphasized that this day reminds everyone of the future and the necessary sacrifices by parents, guardians, teachers, leaders, and government to ensure the well-being of the younger generation, Nigeria’s greatest asset.
“As a father and grandfather, I share in the joy that children bring into our lives and the fulfillment of seeing them grow,” President Buhari said, also acknowledging the pain and anxiety experienced due to uncertain times and insecurity.
He stressed that people must retain faith in the government, which has worked hard to contain insecurity in the country over the past eight years, focusing on children and negotiating for the release of the abducted ones.
President Buhari admonished parents to treat their children with dignity, while emphasizing the importance of discipline. He expressed gratitude to parents, officials, development partners, professionals, and religious leaders for their support in realizing some of the administration’s goals, such as the school feeding program, primary health care resuscitation, and effective school protection by security agencies.
“Raising healthy and promising children is a collective responsibility. In Nigeria, like in most of Africa, the community has a stake in the upbringing of the child. Truly, it takes a village to raise a child,” the President said.
As the world becomes more interconnected with new technology, President Buhari emphasized the importance of retaining Nigerian identity and values. He said that integrity, honesty, hard work, and thirst for knowledge should not be traded for anything, and Nigerian values should remain an unshakeable landmark for the younger generation.
President Buhari urged Nigerians to work towards unity, peace, and prosperity for the sake of children, stating that he still believes that children hold the key to a vibrant future for Nigeria, with fear of God, love for knowledge, and hard work being the three undeniable and unchangeable truths.
President Buhari extended his greetings to parents, guardians, and children, urging Nigerians to have a Happy Children’s Day.
