Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has re-emphasised the need to build a well-educated children population that would develop into patriotic and economically responsible citizens, desirable to contribute to socio-economic development.
The governor who stated this while speaking at the 2017 Children’s Day Celebration held at the M.K.O Abiola Stadium l, Abeokuta, noted that children must be centre of affection, not only to the teacher, parent or guardian but also the government, which must also see to their welfare and protection.
According to him, the theme of the celebration “Child Protection and Sustainable Development Goals; Issues and Opportunities” was in line with his administration’s various programmes for the children.
“Children constitute the most vulnerable segment of the population, along with women and the old. They are a segment of our population, but a totality of our future, therefore, every responsible and responsive government must ensure protection of women and children.”
He stressed that his administration had continued to explore ways towards protecting the rights of every child, while at the same time, grooming their potentials.
According to him, adding the yearly celebration remains an avenue to take closer look at what concerns the children, their physical, moral, intellectual and social well-being.
“Every opportunity I have to attend programmes organised for children like this, is always a time I cherish. The reason is because they are our legacies, without them, all our labour will be in vain. Any venture that is not properly handed over to our children, will surely go into extinction. Today is for our future leaders, our children, the totality of our tomorrow”, he stated.
“In line with our administration’s five cardinal programme, enshrined in our Mission to Rebuild our State, We have continued to work to better the lot of our people, as we take care of the present, we also ensure that we lay a good foundation for the future.
“Our qualitative and affordable education, is structured to give easy accessibility to the children of Ogun State, irrespective of their background or location in the state”, Amosun said.
Speaking in an interview, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Abiola Kufile-Okonji said her ministry, in collaboration with other ministries would not relent at ensuring that all children of school age are taken off street hawking and registered in schools for a better tomorrow.
While saying that the Child Right Law, which also provides for fostering of vulnerable children would be vigorously pursued, the commissioner added that the Women Development Centre would do more to empower the women and the family by extension.
Master Akinwale Bodude commended government for recognising them as leaders of tomorrow, who should be catered for, promising that with government continued support, the future is secured for ogun state youth and children.