Children’s Day: CCFSDI advocates better protection, education, welfare for children

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate this year’s Children’s Day celebration, the Executive Director of Care Centre for Sustainable Development Initiatives (CCFSDI), Mrs. Hope Okoh-Eze, has called on parents, government authorities, and relevant stakeholders to place greater priority on the protection, education, welfare, and overall well-being of children.

In a statement issued to mark the occasion, Mrs. Okoh-Eze described children as priceless gifts to families and the nation, stressing that their innocence, creativity, intelligence, and enormous potential remain critical to building a brighter and more prosperous society.

She noted that Children’s Day is not only a moment of celebration but also a reminder of the collective responsibility of society to nurture, guide, protect, and empower children to become responsible and productive citizens.

According to her, every child deserves access to quality education, adequate healthcare, proper care, encouragement, and a conducive environment where they can grow with confidence, dignity, and purpose.

Mrs. Okoh-Eze urged children to remain focused on their studies and begin early preparation for a successful future. She also warned against the misuse of social media and other digital platforms, encouraging children instead to embrace technology positively, especially in areas related to educational advancement and Artificial Intelligence (AI) awareness.

She explained that the growing influence of technology across the world makes it necessary for children to acquire digital knowledge and skills that would help position them competitively in the future.

The CCFSDI Executive Director further advised parents and guardians to devote more quality time to raising children with discipline, sound moral values, and good character.

She emphasized that families and communities have critical roles to play in shaping the future of children through love, guidance, and the creation of supportive environments that encourage growth and development.

Speaking on the responsibilities of government, Mrs. Okoh-Eze called for increased investment in sectors that directly affect children, including healthcare, education, sports development, security, and social welfare.

She stressed that meaningful development can only be achieved when governments at all levels prioritize policies and programmes that promote the well-being and future of children.

Expressing concern over the increasing cases of insecurity affecting children across the country, Mrs. Okoh-Eze lamented the plight of kidnapped children, particularly victims reportedly abducted in Oyo State, including a one-year-six-month-old child said to be among those held captive.

“No child deserves to suffer or die while the government folds its arms,” she stated.

She therefore urged security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts toward rescuing kidnapped children and ensuring the safety and protection of children across the nation.

Mrs. Okoh-Eze also encouraged children to continue believing in themselves, learning diligently, and striving toward greatness, describing them as future leaders, innovators, and changemakers whose contributions would shape the future of society.

She concluded by wishing children across the world a joyful and memorable Children’s Day celebration while praying for a brighter, safer, and more fulfilling future for every child.