Invest more in Child welfare, education, Onoyona tells government

As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, the President of Hope Restored Advocacy Organization, Dr. Philomena Onoyona, has urged Nigerian children to remain focused on their education and never lose hope despite the nation’s prevailing economic and social challenges.

Speaking in a Children’s Day statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Onoyona described children as “the heartbeat of every nation and the light of tomorrow,” stressing that every child possesses greatness, talent, and the potential to shape a better Nigeria and a more peaceful world.

She encouraged students across the country to remain steadfast in their academic pursuits, noting that education remains one of the strongest instruments for overcoming adversity and achieving purpose in life.

According to her, children must not allow the present realities in the country to discourage them from striving for excellence and preparing themselves for future leadership responsibilities.

“Do not allow the current economic, social, or political realities to discourage you from pursuing excellence,” she stated. “Your determination, discipline, and hard work today will prepare you for the leadership responsibilities of tomorrow.”

The U.S.-based women’s rights advocate also advised children to embrace virtues such as humility, honesty, kindness, obedience, discipline, and respect for others, emphasizing that good character is essential for nation-building and responsible leadership.

She maintained that Nigeria needs a generation of young people who are not only academically sound but also compassionate, patriotic, and committed to positive change.

Dr. Onoyona further appealed to Nigerian children not to give up on the country, expressing optimism that a better nation can still emerge through unity, integrity, hard work, and faith in God.

“The future of Nigeria rests in your hands. With unity, hard work, integrity, and faith in God, a better nation can still emerge,” she said.

Addressing parents, governments, educators, religious institutions, and other stakeholders, the Hope Restored Advocacy Organization President called for a stronger commitment toward the welfare, protection, education, and development of children across the country.

She stressed that every Nigerian child deserves access to quality education, healthcare services, security, mentorship, and opportunities that will help them thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

According to her, parents and guardians must continue to raise children with love, discipline, guidance, and moral values, while governments at all levels should invest more deliberately in education, youth empowerment initiatives, and child protection policies.

“Parents must continue to nurture their children with love, discipline, guidance, and godly values,” she noted.

“Governments must invest more intentionally in education, child protection services, youth empowerment programs, and policies that secure a brighter future for the younger generation.”

She concluded by calling for a renewed national commitment toward raising children who would bring peace, transformation, and honor to Nigeria and the global community, while praying that hope would once again rise in the nation through the lives of its young people.

Dr. Onoyona currently serves as President of Hope Restored Advocacy Organization and Vice President of Allwell Healthcare of Georgia, USA.

Recall that only recently, the women’s rights advocate also condemned the persistent underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s National Assembly, warning that the imbalance poses a threat to the country’s democratic growth and inclusive governance.